Inalum?s aluminum ingot output higher than target

North Sumatra-based PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) said aluminum ingot production in the first quarter of this year reached 63,000 tons, or seven percent higher than target.

Kontan quoted Inalum President Director Winardi (one name) as saying that the company aims to produce a total of 255,000 tons of aluminum ingot this year.

?That?s why we?ll be operating fully for 12 months, compared to only nine months last year,? he told the paper.

Last year, the company produced 200,000 tons of aluminum ingot. It managed to double net profit thanks to strong commodity price.

But the company this year is facing tough challenges particularly as price has dropped from last year?s average of US$2,300 per ton to current average of $2,200 per ton, Winardi said. (*)