KPC records Q3 production increase

Giant coal mining PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) recorded 2001 third quarter production of 4.526 million tons, higher than last year?s third quarter production of 3.027 million tons.

The figure was also higher significantly higher than previous quarter?s production of 3.737 million tons.

According to quarterly report released on Wednesday by Rio Tinto, Anglo-Australian giant mining which owns 50 percent of KPC stake, 9-month cummulative production had reached 11.5 million tons, compared to last year?s 8.64 million tons.

KPC targets 15 million tons production in 2001.

?Production in the third quarter of 2001 was uninterrupted by external events and benefited from drier weather. However, residual effects from the strike at a major shovel contractor that occurred in the first half of 2001, continue to be felt,? said Rio Tinto in a statement.

KPC, which runs a coalmine in East Kutai regency, East Kalimantan is equally owned by Rio Tinto and BP Plc. (alex)