Banpu?s 2009 coal sales increase 14%

Thai energy firm Banpu Plc said on Thursday that its 2009 coal sales reached 21.09 million tons, higher 14 percent compared to 2008 sales of 18.49 million tons due to favorable weather condition.

Sales of coal from its Indonesian mines reached of 20.85 million ton, also higher compared to the previous year sales of 17.7 million tons, the company said in statement.

?All the company's mines in Kalimantan were able to operate more efficiently due to better mine planning and favorable weather condition. Mines at Trubaindo and Jorong produced at their full capacity with sale of 5.13 million tonnes and 2.96 million tonnes respectively,? the company said.

The company started up a new mining area at the East Block of its Indominco mines in East Kalimantan in May which raised total sales of Indominco by 14 percent to 12.16 million tons.

In addition, its Kitadin-Embalut mines also in East Kalimantan was brought back into operation again under a revised mine plan after the operation was suspended few years ago. It contributed 0.61 million tons to its Indonesian sales volume.

The firm managed to cut costs in Indonesia. The average diesel price in Indonesia was $0.55 per liter compared with $1.02 in 2008. The improved mine design also helped reduce unit costs in areas such as overburden handling costs.

Average coal selling price in 2009 was US$71.7 per ton, slightly lower compared to the previous year's $72 per ton, it added. (denny)