In an interview with corporatefile, CEO Milan Jerkovic cited analysts as forecasting net profits after tax of more than $50 million in 2005 – compared to $16.5 million in 2004.
"We don't provide specific guidance, but we don't have a problem with those numbers at this stage," Straits' CEO said.
Straits' Sebuku thermal coal project in Indonesia yielded 620,000 tonnes of product in the March quarter, with a ramp up to an annualised rate of 3 million tonnes expected to be complete by the second half of 2005.
The company also recently opened the 15-17,000 tonne per annum Whim Creek copper cathode operation and is aiming to develop a 100,000 ounce per annum gold operation at Mt Muro in Indonesia.
Straits also has gold/antimony and salt aspirations.
