Jakarta, April 30, 2015 - PT ANTAM (Persero) Tbk (ASX - ATM; IDX – ANTM; ANTAM) is pleased to announce the company has recorded positive operational performance in the first quarter of 2015 with a 36% increase of ferronickel production and a 6% increased gold production over the same period of 2014. ANTAM also posted a 63% of higher gold sales over the same period of 2014. In the first quarter of 2015, gold was the main contributor of sales with 68% contribution amounting to Rp1.94 trillion. Inline with higher sales, ANTAM posted 480% increase of gross profit to Rp257 billion. As well, ANTAM posted operating profit of Rp56 billion in the first quarter of 2015 over an operating loss of Rp96 billion in the first quarter of 2014. Due to non cash expenses, ANTAM posted Rp240 billion net loss in the first quarter of 2015.
ANTAM's President Director, Tedy Badrujaman said:
"Inline with higher sales volume, ANTAM posted gross profit and operating profit in the first quarter of 2015. In 2015 we target higher ferronickel and gold sales, coupled with aggressive efficiency initiatives. We are also committed to continue our growth projects without risking our financial position.
We continue to prepare for the rights issue plan which will finance the East Halmahera Ferronickel project and the Anode Slime project. ANTAM is also committed to continue other growth projects such as the Mempawah Smelter Grade Alumina project, the Nickel Pig Iron project and the Nickel Mixed Hydroxide project. "
In the first quarter of 2015, ANTAM's development initiatives showed positive progress. ANTAM also remained prudent in its development projects. The Tayan CGA plant commenced commercial operations in January 2015 whilst EPC progress of the Pomalaa Ferronickel Plant Expansion Project reached 89% as at March 31, 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, ANTAM's new Furnace-4 facility entered commissioning phase. As well, ANTAM also commenced the operations of the Top Blown Rotary Converter (TBRC). The TBRC facility is designed to process gold metals and other precious metals such as selenium, palladium, platinum and others as by product of anode slime.
As part of the ongoing efficiency efforts, ANTAM saved Rp3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2015 from efficiency of materials use in the business units and negotiations with third parties.
ANTAM also clarifies media reports citing rights issue price of Rp800. The price was an estimate to calculate the likely new shares and does not reflect final price.
