This article is 20 years old. Images might not display.
Coal production from the mine is up 13% on the corresponding period last year and the company said Sebuku is on track to produce three million tonnes of coal in 2005.
Straits is set for a bumper year having recently acquired full ownership of Sebuku (through the payment of $20 million to minority shareholders) coupled with the imminent start of operations at the Whim Creek copper project and the Mt Muro gold project.
The Whim Creek project in Western Australia is currently in the commissioning phase with the mine to be officially opened early next month. Skilled trade shortages have seen the project delayed.
Leaching of the ore has started and Straits is forecasting the production of around 10,000t of copper for this year, increasing to 15,000t for the 2006 calendar year.
Meantime, Straits have reported the refurbishment of the processing plant at its Mt Muro project in Kalimantan is now 70% complete with production forecast by mid-year.
The company said positive drilling results from around the mine site and the nearby Tumbang Lahung area is expected to increase the current 612,000 ounce equivalent resource.
Straits said it is also close to finalising the purchase of Aurora Gold's 30% interest in the project, which will give the company full ownership of the mine.
