Coal news and updates

The government is optimistic that it will meet its coal production target for this year, which caps nationwide production at a flat number compared to a year earlier at 421 million tons.

 

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s director general for minerals and coal, R. Sukhyar, said that total production had reached 280 million tons as of the end of August. Of the total, he said, up to 60 million tons were sold to the domestic market and the remainder was sent abroad. Indonesia is the world’s top thermal coal exporter and producer.

 

“The number [280 million tons] is two thirds of our full-year production plan. We have four months left and it is likely that the output will reach 400 million tons or less,” Sukhyar said.

 

The government is targeting to see national coal production reach only 421 million tons this year, which is the same level as last year’s output. The cap in output is aimed at halting coal exploitation so that the country can reserve the non-renewable fuel for future usage.

 

Coal miners are required to submit their production plans to the minerals and coal office, which enables the ministry to control any increases.

 

 

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/