BHP Billiton?s coal output down in Q3 2001

Australian mining giant BHP reported on Friday that overall coal output from its Indonesian units, in South Kalimantan, reached 2.450 million tons in the third quarter of 2001, which was below the 3.311 million tons from the previous quarter.

The 2.450 million tons came from its mines in Senakin, Satui and Petangis, which turned out 1.161 million tons, 1.068 million tons, and 221,000 tons respectively, the company said in a statement.

That volume compared with the 14.538 million tons the company produced in the third quarter in South Africa, 6.212 million tons in New Mexico, and 1.173 million in Australia.

In Indonesia, BHP operates through its subsidiaries BHP Billiton Indonesia, PT Arutmin and PT BHP Kendilo. Together, they represent Indonesia?s third largest coal producer.

On October 23, BHP Billiton reached an agreement for the sale of its 80 percent stake in the PT Arutmin Indonesia to PT Bumi Resources Tbk for US$ 148 million. Bumi Resources is a Jakarta listed firm whose majority stake is indirectly controlled by the Bakrie family.

That move was in keeping with its obligation, under Indonesian laws, to allow majority Indonesian ownership in Arutmin.

Meanwhile, reports said that BHP Kendilo would close its operation in May 2002 due to reserve depletion. (Godang/Leo)