Antam expects to increase output by 42 percent

JAKARTA: State mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) expects to increase its nickel production by 5,000 tons, or 42 percent, next year its president director told reporters Thursday.

Alwinsyah Loebis, Antam's president director, said the company expected to increase its nickel production from 12,000 tons, which is this year's production target, to 17,000 tons in 2010.

"The increase in production is possible because our third nickel smelter in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi, has resumed operations," Alwin said.

Antam suspended the smelter in Pomalaa, also known as Feni III, because of technical failure, however, the smelter resumed operations in September.

"We expect the smelter will be in full operation in November or December," Alwin said. Antam operates three nickel smelters: Feni I, Feni II, Feni III. The Feni I and the Feni II smelters have a nickel production capacity of 5,000 tons each.

Once the Feni III reaches full operation, the smelter can produce 12,000 tons of nickel, Alwin said. - JP