Jakarta,-  PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) coal production until the third quarter of 2024 reached 32.97 million tonnes. This figure increased by 3 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

‘As of September 2024, PTBA's coal production reached 32.97 million tonnes or grew 3 percent on an annual basis,’ PTBA Corporate Secretary Niko Chandra said in an official statement quoted on Thursday (31/10).

The increase also occurred in the sales line where as of September 2024 PTBA managed to sell 31.28 million tonnes of coal. This figure increased 16 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

‘PTBA's total coal sales in January-September this year reached 31.28 million tonnes, up 16 percent on an annual basis,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PTBA's coal exports in this period amounted to 14.29 million tonnes, up 27 percent on an annual basis. As a comparison, export sales in the same period last year were 11.25 million tonnes. The realisation of transportation by rail was 26.42 million tonnes, an increase of 11 percent on an annual basis.

Nico explained that the company recorded an increase in Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) fulfilment of 16.98 million tonnes or grew 8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2023.

‘The realisation of Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) amounted to 16.98 million tonnes, growing 8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2023 which amounted to 15.76 million tonnes,’ he said.

According to Niko, this growing performance was accompanied by a number of challenges such as coal price corrections and market fluctuations. He said, the average ICI-3 coal price index corrected by around 14 percent on an annual basis from USD 86.32 per tonne until the third quarter of 2023 to USD 74.59 per tonne until the third quarter of 2024.

‘Good performance can be achieved despite various challenges, including; coal price correction and market fluctuation. The average ICI-3 coal price index corrected by around 14 percent on an annual basis from USD 86.32 per tonne until the third quarter of 2023 to USD 74.59 per tonne until the third quarter of 2024,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the average Newcastle coal price index corrected by 28 percent on an annual basis to USD 133.89 per tonne until the third quarter of 2024, from USD 185.45 per tonne until the third quarter of 2023.

For information, in 2024 PTBA targets coal production of 41.3 million tonnes. While the sales target reaches 43.1 million tonnes and transport volume of 33.7 tonnes.