Inco sees production increase in 2010

IDX-listed South Sulawesi nickel miner PT Inco Tbk said on Wednesday that its nickel-in-matte production for 2010 would in the range of 72,000-75,000 tonnes, exceeding last year?s production of 67,300 tonnes.

CEO Tony Wenas said the Company produced 18,000 tonnes of nickel-in-matte in the third quarter of 2010, adding that unfavorable weather condition did not affect production.

Wenas said Inco has completed 60 percent of Karebbe hydropower project and is on track to start operations in the second half of 2011. The operation of the new power plant is expected to significantly cut the company?s production costs. (denny)