PTBL makes first coal export to Thailand

South Sumatra-based coal miner PT Batubara Lahat (PTBL) has made first coal export shipment from its concession in Lahat regency to Thailand, Sumatra Express reported on Wednesday.

PTBL?s President Director, Andi Asmara said the company exported around 8,000 tons of coal to Thailand. He also said that 80 percent of its coal production will be shipped to overseas market and the remaining to domestic market.

The company is expected to produce 20,000 tons per month in the initial stage and the output would increase to 40,000 tons per month.

In February 2008, the company started producing coal from its concession in Lahat regency. Mineable coal reserve at the concession is around 6.2 million tons with calorific value 6,300 Kcal/kg and stripping ratio 1:4, PTBL?s President Commissioner Syamsu Riedzal said on Feb. 13, 2008.

?If everything is okay, we strive to achieve a monthly production of 80,000 ? 100,000 tons per month,? he said.

The mine is located in Muaratemiang and Gunung Agung in West Merapi district within a concession area of around 5000 hectares. (*)