Coal output seen to drop this year
Thursday, November 9 2000 - 07:30 AM WIB
The ministry of energy and mineral resources expects the country's coal output to drop this year due to production problems experienced by a number of coal companies.
Coal director Suyartono said the ministry initially projected the country's output at 82 million tons this year, as against 73 million tons last year.
But, he said, the ministry did no longer expect to reach the 2000 target as the country's coal output reached only 34 million tons, which is less than expected.
"We shall feel lucky to be able to reach the 1999 output level this year," Suyartono told Petromindo.Com on the sidelines of a seminar on low-grade coal.
He said several companies, including PT Kaltim Prima Coal and state coal mining company PT Bukit Asam in South Sumatra, would see their output to decline this year due to various problems, including illegal mining activities and dispute with employees.
But several companies, including PT Adaro Indonesia in South Kalimantan, PT Kideco Jaya Agung in East Kalimantan, and PT Gunung Bayan in East Kalimantan, expected to see their output on the rise this year.
Suyartono said total investment by coal companies was estimated at US$62 million and Rp 160 billion (US$1=Rp 9,198) this year, which is below the investment of last year. He however did provide the investment figures for last year. (Alex)