KPC reports Q2 production

East Kalimantan coal producer PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) produced 6.77 million tons of coal in the second quarter of 2005, lower from the target of 8.66 million tons but higher from the previous quarter of 5.67 million tons,a company official said Monday.

KPC superintendent public affairs Rurie Wuryandari told Petromindo.Com that the lower than targeted output was mainly caused by the rainy season and the delay in commencement of production at the Bengalon mine.

An interruption of mine operation at KPC's Melawan mine due to a serious incident occurred in the first quarter also contributed to the slower production, Rurie added without elaborating.

Rurie said KPC planned to produce 10.26 million tons in the next quarter.

The government has approved KPC's plans to produce around 32.86 million tons of coal this year.

KPC is a subsidiary of PT Bumi Resources, a publicly listed company which is also the owner of South Kalimantan-based coal producer PT Arutmin Indonesia. (godang)