PTBA net profit soars on higher sales

JSX-listed state coal mining firm PT.Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) reported on Monday its 9-month 2007 net profit after tax increased significantly to Rp.527.3 billion (US$=Rp.9,100), or Rp.229 per share from Rp.374.1 billion in the same period last year due to increased sales.

The company?s sales increased to Rp.3 trillion from 2.62 trillion while direct sales costs up to Rp.1.84 trillion from Rp.1.67 trillion.

The company said in Octber 22, 2007 that coal sales until the end third quarter of 2007 rose seven percent from last 7.38 million tonnes, while output in third quarter of this year reached 2. 27 million tons, slightly lower compared to the last-year period's output of 2.39 million tons.

PTBA operates a coal mine in South Sumatra. (alex)