KPC exports 15m tons of coal

JAKARTA (JP): East Kalimantan-based coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) exported 15 million tons of coal last year, an increase of 25 percent from 12 million tons in 1996.

Company spokesman Usman Fatwa said Wednesday KPC also projected to export 15 million tons of coal in 1998.

He said the company exported 30 percent of its 1997 output to Japan, while selling Taiwan 27 percent of its output, Hong Kong 14 percent, the Netherlands 9 percent, the United States 7 percent, Germany 6 percent and Malaysia 3 percent.

He said KPC sold the remaining 4 percent in the domestic market.

"We will boost our export activities despite fluctuating coal prices in the global market," Usman was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

He said coal prices were currently between US$33 and $37 per ton from about $44 per ton early last year.

Usman said KPC had eight open pit mines with 590 million tons of coal reserves. (aly)