Mitrabara to boost coal output

Despite the lingering weak global coal market, IDX-listed coal mining firm PT Mitrabara Adiperdana Tbk plans to boost coal production by 60 percent this year compared to last year?s 2.5 million tons, Kontan reported Saturday.

The higher production plan is made in line with the increase capacity of production facility, and expansion of infrastructure facilities particularly at its port.

?Generally, all coal miners will be affected (by the coal market slowdown), but we have premium quality coal, so we?re confident we can survive the situation,? said Corporate Secretary Chandra Lautan following the company?s shareholders meeting.

Mitrabara exports much of its coal output to among others China, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Mitrabara this year plans to also continue developing new infrastructure facilities at the Muara Bengalun port in East Kalimantan. The project covers the development of facilities such as jetty, conveyor, stockpile and coal crusher, all of which targeted to start operation in the third quarter of 2015. (*)