KPC records production increase in Q2 2001

Coal mining giant PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) recorded coal production of 3.737 million tons of coal during the second quarter of this year, compared to last year?s second quarter production of 3.319 million tons, according to Rio Tinto?s quarterly production announcement released Wednesday.

The second quarter coal production was also higher than the this year?s first quarter production of 3.238 million tons.

KPC, which is equally owned by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto and Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc, is Indonesia?s second largest coal producer.

Although production was increased in the second quarter of 2001, said Rio Tinto, the strike at a major shovel contract maintenance company continued to adversely affect production. Production in May was also affected when several key mining areas were blockaded for a few days by local land claimants.

KPC operates a coal mine in East Kalimantan.(alex)