Bontang coal terminal expands capacity

By Edgar Subroto

IDX-listed coal mining group PT Indo Tambangraya Megah (ITM) is further expanding its coal terminal in Bontang, East Kalimantan, the company has said.

ITM will expand the capacity of its barge loader, conveyor, and offshore floating crane. The project is expected to be completed in 2015 and will increase handling capacity to 18.5-22 million tons from 8-10 million tons, currently.

The expanded terminal would be able to berth coal vessel with the size of up to 120,000 DWT from 95,000 DWT, currently. ?Loading to capesize vessel will be facilitated which will increase group?s marketing flexibility,? it said.

The terminal will be 100 percent used to handle coal production from its subsidiaries.

ITM, which is a unit of Thai energy firm Banpu PCL has five coal operating mines in East and South Kalimantan, namely: Indominco Mandiri, Jorong, Kitadin, Trubaindo and Bharinto Ekatama.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak