Govt sets 2010 coal production target increase

Government sets Indonesian coal production to increase by 20 million tonnes next year to 250 million tonnes, a senior official at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said.

Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Bambang Setiawan told reporters on Friday that the increase was set to meet non-tax revenue target of Rp.15 trillion (US$1.5 billion) targeted by Ministry of finance.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Coal Mining Association Chairman Bob Kamandanu expressed optimism that the target could be achieved, as this year alone, Indonesian coal production is expected to reach 250 million tonnes. (godang)