BHP Billiton Indonesian coal output up in Q2 2001

Australian giant BHP Billiton reported on Tuesday that overall coal output from its Indonesian units increased in the second quarter of 2001.

BHP Indonesian unit gross combined output from PT Arutmin Indonesia and PT BHP Kendilo during the second quarter of 2001 was 3.311 million tons, as against 2.710 million tons in the corresponding period of last year.

BHP?s combined gross coal output during January-March quarter was 2.941 million tons.

PT Arutmin, which operates Senakin and Satui mines in South Kalimantan, is 80 percent owned by BHP Billiton, while the remaining 20 percent stake is controlled by local company PT Bakrie and Brothers.

Together, Arutmin and BHP Kendilo is the country's third largest coal producer

PT BHP Kendilo Coal which operates Petangis mine in South Kalimantan is also 80 percent controlled by BHP Billiton, while the remaining stake is held by Japan firm Mitsui Mining Company.

According to a source in the company, BHP Kendilo would close its operation in May 2002 due to reserve depletion. (alex)