Banpu?s Q2 Indonesian coal production up 21%

Thai energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. reported on Friday that its Indonesian coal production increased by 21 percent to 3.34 million tons in the second quarter this year from the previous quarter of 2.75 million tons.

?Advanced production planning since the beginning of this year and better utilization of mining equipment started to bear fruit on production front,? Banpu said in a statement, adding that coal sales also rose to 3.235 million tons, increasing from 2.811 million tons in previous quarter.

Banpu operates seven coalmines in Indonesia including three producing coalmines; Jorong Barutama Greston in South Kalimantan, Indominco Mandiri and Kitadin, both are in East Kalimantan.

The company?s Trubaindo coalmine in East Kalimantan will commence operation in fourth quarter of 2004, while the Mumpun Pandan in Jambi is expected to start production by 2005.

Another coalmine, Barasentosa Lestari, in South Sumatra is now on exploration stage, while East Kalimantan-based coalmine Bharinto Ekatama, which was acquired in February this year, has completed feasibility study and is planning construction.

Banpu produced a total of 11.95 million tons of coal throughout last year. The company has targeted to raise its production by 19 percent to 14.3 million tons this year. (robert)

Banpu?s Production, Sales, Coal Reserves and Resources Q2 2004
Quantity (million tons)
Source	As of Mar.31, 04		Production Apr ? Jun ?04	As of Jun.30, 04		Sales Apr ? Jun ?04
	Reserves	Resources		Reserves	Resources
1. Jorong	32.969	7.600	0.769	32.200	7.600	0.756
2. Indominco	38.455	-	2.007	36.448	-	1.968
3. Kitadin	28.878	71.700	0.562	28.316	71.700	0.511
4. Trubaindo	51.600	20.900	-	51.600	20.900	-
5. Barasentosa	-	24.700	-	-	24.700	-
6. Mampu Pandan	-	14.100	-	-	14.100	-
TOTAL	151.902	139.00	3.338	148.564	139.000	3.235