Tech problems force Antam to delay operations of FeNi III by a month

JSX-listed state miner PT. Aneka Tambang announced on Wednesday that technical problems along production process had caused delay in the commencement of its ferronickel smelter FeNi III in Pomalaa, South East Sulawesi by one month to the middle of May 2006.

The company said the delay had caused the company to lower its 2006 production from 20,000 tones to 19,000 tones.

Antam switched the FeNi III on in February following a 28-month construction period that began in 2003. After the switch on, the smelter is entering commissioning stage, when Antam?s contractors gradually increase the power load over about 60 days to a load to a level of 42-MW. At this power load, Antam?s FeNi III smelter will have begun commercial operations, said the company. (alex)