Banpu mulls underground mines in E. Kalimantan

Thai energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. said it had commissioned studies to explore possibility to conduct underground mining in its East Kalimantan coal concessions.

?Banpu has started exploration drilling and pre-feasibility study at Indominco Mandiri and had also commenced conceptual study at Trubaindo,? said Aphimuk Taifayongvichit, Banpu?s Chief Marketing and Logistic Planner.

He said that the results of the studies would due in one-year time.

He also said that Banpu currently is reviewing earlier feasibility study to commence coal production from Indominco?s East Block by 2006.

Banpu produced 12 million tons of coal from its Indonesian mines in 2003 and is aiming to ramp up production to 20 million tons in 2006.(alex)