BHP Billiton tries to extends S. Kalimantan coal mine life

Resources company BHP Billiton is trying to extend the mine life of its South Kalimantan coal mining which is originally planned to be closed this year, a company executive said.

?We are preparing programs to extend BHP Kendilo?s mine life,? said Andrew Wilson, president of BHP Billiton Indonesia. He declined to reveal the detail.

An industry source said Kendilo will use run of mine (ROM) from Jorong Barutama Greston, whose concession bordered with the company and Kendilo will then wash the ROM in its heavy media dense separator plant.

BHP Kendilo, which has production capacity of 750,000 tons per annum, is the only coalmine in production controlled by BHP Billiton after it sold entire stake in Arutmin Indonesia to Bumi Resources. (alex/godang).