Koba Tin Output Below Target in 2009

SHANGHAI, Jan. 13 -- Indonesia's PT Koba Tin produced 6,150 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate in 2009, up on the previous year's mine output but below the company's original target.

"The floods in May as well as the thinning ore grades in Koba Tin's mining areas have resulted in output loss," spokesman Dharmansyah Nawawi told Metal Bulletin. Heavy rains in early May flooded two of Koba Tin's four gravel pump mine units, halting production as water was pumped out. The company also runs a large onshore dredge. "Tin grades were also thinner in the mining areas worked in throughout the year," he added.

For 2010, Koba Tin has announced a mine output target of 6,435 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate, up 5%. In the last two years Koba's refined tin production has been higher than mine production, as it has processed its slag stockpile. Koba is owned 75% by MSC and 25% by PT Timah under a contract of work which runs to 2013.