PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) is optimistic about its coal production target reaching 41.0 million tons in 2023, marking an 11% increase from the 2022 realization of 37.1 million tons.
Niko Chandra, Corporate Secretary of Bukit Asam, stated that PTBA's total coal production in the first half of 2023 reached 18.8 million tons, a growth of 18% compared to the same period in 2022, which was 15.9 million tons.
"We are optimistic about achieving the production target by the end of this year," Niko said when contacted by Kontan.co.id on Monday (23/10).
Niko explained that digital transformation is part of PTBA's strategy to implement Good Mining Practice, enhancing efficiency and business sustainability. Decision-making becomes faster, more precise, and accurate.
Since 2020, PTBA has had the CISEA (Corporate Information System and Enterprise Application) application to monitor mining activities in real-time through mobile phones.
The CISEA application integrates several systems, including Automation & SCADA System Integration, Bukit Asam Mine Dispatch Optimization System, Automatic Train Loading Station, Slope Stability Radar (SSR), Digital Telemetry, and Integrated Water Monitoring System (SPARING).
With the integration of SCADA in the CISEA platform, distance is not an issue for performing software maintenance, troubleshooting, and analyzing control systems at PTBA. Data analysis is easier and more accurate because all operational data is stored automatically and in real-time.
Niko further conveyed that through the Bukit Asam Mine Dispatch Optimization System, mining productivity and efficiency can be enhanced. Production data, real-time performance of units and operators, loss time, fuel consumption, monitoring unit positions (loader, hauler, ancillaries), unit status, real-time estimates of mine road conditions, operational safety, water monitoring, and rain monitoring are all available on mobile phones.
Moreover, Niko mentioned that with the Automatic Train Loading Station, the loading and weighing of coal into train cars are done automatically and can be monitored with a mobile phone. The process of loading coal into train cars is faster, and the capacity of coal output from the mining site to the port is increased.
Niko added that there is also Digital Telemetry providing real-time rainfall data through CISEA. Additionally, SPARING issues early warnings if there is a deviation in water quality that does not meet the standard.
Image source: ANTARA FOTO/Iggoy el Fitra