Banpu Indonesian coal sales reaches 19 million tons in 2006

Thai energy giant Banpu Plc. reported Tuesday that its Indonesian coal sales reached 19.27 million tons last year or significantly higher compared with 13.34 million tons in 2005.

Banpu said its high quality Trubaindo mine achieved sales volume of 4.1 million tons in its second year of operation compared to 1.5 million tons in 2005.

Banpu operates six Indonesian coal mines, four which are already in production, that is Jorong Barutama Greston in South Kalimantan, Indominco Mandiri, Kitadin, and Trubaindo, which are all located in East Kalimantan. Other two coal mine concessions are Bharinto in East Kalimantan and Barasentosa Lestari in South Sumatra.

According to Banpu?s report, Jorong, Indominco, Kitadin mines sold 3.206 million tons, 10.373 million tons, 1.580 million tons, respectively, in 2006.

Banpu also said revenue from Indonesian coal sales improved to Bt28,767 million or about US$843.8 million from $574 million in 2005.

The company said the stable market price, plus the higher proportion of sales from premium grade coal lifted its average coal selling price to $35.82 per ton, a marginal increase of 60 cents compared to 2005. (Robert)