INCO plans to build one more hydro power plant to boost production

The management of publicly-listed PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk (INCO) is planning to build one more hydro electricity power plant with a capacity of between 90-110 megawatts (MW) at Karebe in East Luwu regency, South Sulawesi, the Investor Daily Indonesia newspaper reported in its Wednesday edition.

This plan will help INCO’s efforts to increase its nickel production to 200 million pounds in 2005 from expected 160 million pounds in 2004.

INCO has already two hydro power plants at Larona and Balambano, which have 165 MW and 110 MW capacity respectively.

All the three power plants will use the water from Larona River in the province.

But the management didn’t disclose the details of the cost and when it will start the construction with the pretext of still considering the plan.

“In order to support the plan to increase the production of nickel to 200 million pounds in 2005, we are intending to build the hydro power plant at Karebe East Luwu with a capacity of 90-110 MW,” INCO president director Bing R. Tobing told reporters after the end of an extraordinary shareholders meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday. (*)