Coal association sees 2002 production to top 100 million tons

Indonesian Coal Mining Association (ICMA) expressed optimism that Indonesian coal production would hit 100 million tons in 2002, as most major producers would be able to ramp up production due to favorable conditions.

?There is no official production figure yet, but as per third quarter of this year, most major coal mining firms are on track to exceed last year?s production. Adaro Indonesia, Arutmin Indonesia, Kaltim Prima Coal, Kideco Jaya Agung, and Indominco would be able to increase production significantly, while Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam and and Berau Coal production would relatively unchanged. I am optimistic that 100 million tons production for 2002 could be reached, as smaller producers also tend to increase production this year,? ICMA secretary general Jeffrey Muljono, who is also president director of Berau Coal, told Petromindo.Com in an interview Friday.

According to government?s statistic, last year, Indonesian coal mining firms produced 88.5 million tons of coal. Adaro Indonesia, Arutmin Indonesia, Kaltim Prima Coal, Kideco Jaya Agung, and Indominco 2001 production accounted for 63 percent of 2001 Indonesian coal production.

The government?s statistic, however, excluded production from illegal miners, which, according to government source exceed 5 million tons last year..

Jeffrey said the increase in production was due combined factor of relatively long dry season in coal producing areas which is expected to continue until late this year and improvement in international thermal coal prices. (godang)