Sebuku coal mine returning to full production

Australian mining firm Straits Resources Limited said on Thursday that its Sebuku coal mine would shortly return to full production.

 

“The company would anticipate a strong recovery in the second half, with progressive expansion of coal production at Sebuku the company expects strong earnings growth in both 2008 and 2009,” Straits's Chief Executive Officer Milan Jerkovic said in a statement.

 

In a statement released in July this year, the company said its Sebuku mine continued to increase its footprint and accelerate waste removal in line with its plan to expand production to 6 Mtpa. “The expansion works to 6 Mtpa are well under way with the plant and infrastructure expected to be completed by mid 2008. Production in 2008 is targeted at 5 Mt and 6 Mt in 2009,”

 

Sebuku was forced to declare force majeure at the end of July due to excessive rainfall that hit the area since January. The rain had caused the mine’s first half production to fall to 1.5MT in 2007 from 1.76 in last year's period. (denny)