KPC says Bengalon mine to start production next year

East Kalimantan coalminer PT. Katim Prima Coal (KPC) had resumed development of its Bengalon mine after it had settled negotiation with local villagers over land compensation, a company official said.

Hari Miarso, KPC General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development told Petromindo.Com over the phone on Friday that KPC was expected to commence coal production from the mine in early next year.

Bengalon coal reserves, which is estimated in excess of 160 million tons, is contained in four pit shells some 25 kilometers north of KPC?s existing operations in Sangatta. Bengalon is a convetional truck and shovel operations with ROM coal trucked on 25 kilometers haul road to the port crusher and loadout facility.

Australian mining contractor Henry Walker Eltin is the Bengalon?s mine contractor. (alex)