Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk.(PT INCO) plans to increase its production capacity from 72,000 tons to 92,000 and in the next five years to 120,000 tons, its president director Tony Wenas said.

"The production capacity will be increased from 72,000 tons to 92,000 tons in the next two years," he said here on Saturday.

He said he had made a fast track program to mine in more areas in South and Central Sulawesi. To support the effort he said the company would probably increase the mine path number from four to five.

"We have applied for Bahudopi, Sorowako and East Luwu blocks for making the fifth mine path. We also keep increasing mining target to reach 120,000 tons in the next five years," he said.

He said for the development of the fifth lane the company would invest US$500 million while total investment for the lane development would be more than US$1 billion.

Wenas said expansion was one of the steps to be taken to increase production to reach Karebe in East Luwu district the construction of which has finished 95 percent.

"Karebe has been on line. We have prepared around 90 megawatt for production and three megawatt for the people. Total investment reaches around US$410 million. It will be launched in October," he said. 
(T.SYS/H-YH)