PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) continues to strengthen efficiency in operations and production. This was done to maintain the positive performance of the member of the MIND ID Mining BUMN Holding.

In the first quarter of 2024, the realized stripping ratio was maintained at 6.3x. For comparison, the stripping ratio in the same period in 2023 was 7.1x.

The stripping ratio reflects the ratio between the volume of overburden and the volume of coal in the mined area.

In addition to maintaining the stripping ratio, the company has also cut the hauling distance of soil and coal, one of which is the use of conveyors.

The company continues to optimize the role of its subsidiary engaged in the mining services sector, PT Satria Bahana Sarana (SBS). During January-March 2024, the contribution of PT SBS reached 1.5 million tons or 21 percent of total production. This amount increased by 29 percent on an annual basis.

"These efficiency efforts create room for increased profitability, and make the company more agile in facing various challenges in the coal mining industry going forward," said PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Corporate Secretary Niko Chandra through an official statement, Thursday (27/6).

Niko added that the company also has an Eco Mechanized Mining Program, aka replacing mining equipment that uses fossil fuels to electricity.

Some of the electricity-based tools that PTBA has used include 7 PC-3000 shovel-type electric excavators, 40 100-ton hybrid (diesel and electric) dump trucks, and 6 electricity-based mining pumps. From this eco mechanized mining program, the company can save the use of diesel fuel oil (BBM) and reduce emissions.

Not only that, there is the E-Mining Reporting System program, which is a production reporting system in real time and online so as to minimize conventional monitoring that uses fuel.

Thanks to these various efficiency efforts, PTBA's cash cost in the first quarter of 2024 decreased by 10 percent to IDR 867 thousand per ton. In the first quarter of 2023, cash costs reached IDR 965 thousand per ton.

"The company is focused on implementing sustainable mining practices, in accordance with the company's vision of a world-class energy company that cares about the environment. We are optimistic that we can maintain good performance and be in line with the target until the end of 2024," concluded Nico.