Banpu reports lower Q2 output

Thai energy firm Banpu Plc reported on Wednesday second quarter 2008 coal sales from its Indonesian mines reached 4.45 million tons, decreasing 9 percent compared to the same quarter of last year.

The decrease was due to loading maintenance at Bontang Coal Terminal and seasonal rainfall in Kalimantan that slowed down coal production, the company said in statement.

However, average selling price rose 37 percent to US$ 67.47 per tonne as the company started to capture the robust coal price in the region prevailing since beginning of the year, it said.

The unit cost of sale increased as well by 21 percent, the company said without giving figure.

Banpu has five coal mines based in Kalimantan including three producing mines; Indominco Mandiri, Jorong Barutama Greston, and Trubaindo. (denny)