Monday, February 23, 2009

Indonesia Forecasting Big Rise In Tin Output

Indonesia's tin output for 2009 tin output is projected to rise to 105,000 tonnes - a 47 percent increase over last year, a document from the mines and energy ministry showed on Monday. The figure exceeds a government plan to cap output below 100,000 tonnes.

Last month a mining and energy ministry official said the government aimed to cut the target cap on tin output this year due to slowing global demand that has triggered falling prices.

The cap would reduce environmental damage and prolong the life of the tin mines, however Bambang Setiawan, director general of coal, minerals and geothermal said on 27 January that the government would assess market developments before deciding the new target.

Government officials were not immediately available for comment on Monday.

The ministry's document also forecast copper production would increase to 826,370 tonnes this year from 597,070 in 2008. Gold production was forecast to rise to 99.34 tonnes from 58.83 tonnes last year and nickel-in-matte output was projected to increase to 86,180 tonnes from 73,360 tonnes in 2009.

Coal production expected to be flat at 230 million tonnes in 2009 against 229.18 million tonnes a year ago.

No comments: