Coal production and price to increase in 2013, says Minister

By Bambang Atmaja

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik predicted that the country's output and prices of coal are expected to rebound next year as the global economic slowdown is going to ease which would lead to the increase in demand of energy.

"I think the global economy will be better next year. Thus, the demand for coal (as source of energy) would also increase," he told Petromindo.com at the State Palace.

According to him, the domestic demand on coal would also jump up in line with the government's target to accelerate the country's economic growth next year. Finance ministry expects a 6.6 percent GDP in 2013.

"This will (of course) require more energy and the coal is one of source (for the energy)," he said, adding that the increase of demand would trigger the rise the coal price next year.

Editing by Adianto P. Simamora