Ombilin coal tender draws 8 bidders

State electricity firm PLN said on Tuesday coal supply tender for Ombilin 2x100-MW power plant in West Sumatra has drawn eight bidders.

Ombilin tender chairman Indrajaya told Petromindo.Com that the bidders were consortia of small producers with mines located in Jambi and West Sumatra.

He said PLN will conduct site visit next week and suppliers will be determined mid-May.

Ombilin needs a total of 2.94 milliontons of coal over six years with a minimum calorific value of 6,000 kcal/kg (GAR=Gross Air Receive).

Shipment is expected to start in July 2008.

Ombilin requires 50,000 tonnes of coal per months for its two units and PLN has yet secured 200,000 coal for this year and 300,000 tonnes for next year. Indrajaya said Ombilin has not yet secured contract for 2010 onward.

Sumatra miners PT.Allied Indo Coal and PT.Bara Adipratama are currently major suppliers for the power plant. (denny)