Surya Sakti to increase 2009 coal sales

South Kalimantan coal miner and trader PT Surya Sakti Darma Kencana (SSDK) targets to be able to sell 2-3 million tonnes of coal this year, up from 1.5 million tonnes it sold last year.

SSDK Director Doni Wahjudi told Petromindo.Com last year its mine produced 1 million tonnes with the remaining 500,000 tonnes came from trading.

Wahjudi did not give detail about this year?s production and trading composition, but said that this year?s mine production would significantly increase after the company had completed dredging of its coal jetty and is now able to service 270-feet barges.

SSDK sells most of its production under spot contracts to domestic and export markets such as China, India and Thailand. He also said that the company has secured 1-year 400,000 tonnes supply contract to undisclosed buyer in China for 2008-2009 shipments.

SSDK produces coal from its 200-hectares mine in Kintap regency with CV value of 5,500-5,600 kcal/kg (ADB). Despite the small acreage, the mine has seams with thickness of up to 60 meters. According to him, the mine has mineable reserves of 20 million tonnes. (denny)