DATA VIEW: Adaro, KPC, Kideco and Bukit Asam's coal output up in first two months

Coal producers PT. Adaro Indonesia, PT Kaltim prima Coal (KPC) and Kideco recorded an increase in their production in January and February compared to the same period last year, while state coal company PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam's (BA) production marginally increased.

According to the data from the ministry of energy and mineral resources made available to Petromindo. Com, Adaro, KPC and Kideco produced 2.66 million tons, 2.3 million tons, 1.3 million tons of coal in the first two months of the year respectively, as against 2.17 million tons, 1.63 million tons and 1.2 million tons in the corresponding period of last year.

BA produced 1.75 million tons in the first two months of the year, as against 1.74 million tons in the corresponding period of last year.

The data also showed February production were down compared to January production at Adaro, KPC and Kideco, all of which operate in Kalimantan.

Analysts said the decrease was due to heavy rainfalls in the region during February, forcing the companies to cut their production. KPC's output was also affected by a labor strike.

Adaro produced 1.26 million tons in February, down from 1.4 million tons in January. The company exported 863,000 tons in February, down from 1 million tons in January.

KPC's output dropped to 1 million tons in February, from 1.3 million tons in January. It exported 971,000 tons in February, compared with 1.26 million tons in January.

Kideco's February output decreased to 575,000 tons in February, from 753,000 tons in January. The company's exports dropped to 505,000 tons in February, from 518,000 tons in January.

BA, which operates in South Sumatra, recorded an output of 952,000 tons in February, up from 794,000 tons in January. Its exports increased to 131,000 tons in February, from 57,000 tons in January.

Indonesia targets coal production at 96 million tons in 2001. (Alex)