Banpu reports lower Indonesian Q1 coal sales

Thai energy firm Banpu Plc reported on Tuesday that its Indonesian coal sales volume reached 4.0 million tons in the first quarter of 2009, lower 11.9 percent compared to the same period of last year at 4.54 million tons.

?Coal sales volume totaled 4.08 million tons, decreasing 10 percent due to lower production at Indominco and Jorong, planned closure at Bontang port for maintenance during February 16-23 to expand loading capacity and also decrease in domestic (Thai) coal (output) on termination of Thai mine in late last year,? the company said in statement.

Banpu only produces 80,000 tons of coal in the quarter from its Phayao mine in Thailand.

Banpu said, of 4 million tons sales recorded by its Indonesian subsidiaries, PT. Indominco Mandiri accounted for 2.38 million tons, PT Trubaindo 1.11 million tons and PT Jorong Barutama Greston 510,000 tons.

Average coal selling price during the quarter was US$84.23 per ton, up 71 percent due to high contract price secured last year and higher portion of high quality coal sold in the period, the company added.(denny)