UT ramps up 2010 coal production

IDX-listed firm PT United Tractors Tbk (UT) said its Kalimantan coal mining units will produce 3.5-4 million tonnes of coal in 2010, a company official said on Thursday.

UT produced 2.39 million tonnes of coal in 2009.

Corporate Secretary Sara Loebis said that its South Kalimantan mine PT Dasa Eka Jasatama (DEJ) will produce 3 million tonnes this year with the balance expected to come from Central Kalimantan unit PT Tuah Turangga Agung (TTA), which has started trial operations.

Sara said all of coal production from DEJ has been contracted, while all of TTA production will be destined for export market. TTA is expected to start commercial production in April this year, she said.

Commissioning coal from TTA has been sent to several undisclosed Japanese power plants for testing, Investor Relations Ari Setyawan said.

TTA has concession area of around 5,000 hectares in Kapuas Tengah regency with estimated mineable reserves of 40 million tonnes. The mine produces coal with CV of 6,320 kcal/kg (adb), 5,890 kcal/kg (GAR), sulfur 0.47%, ash 10.48% and HGI 48. (denny)