Jakarta (ANTARA News) - PT Kaltim Nitrate Indonesia (KNI) has invested Rp4.25 trillion (US$450 million) for the construction of an ammonium nitrate plant in East Kalimantan.

The plant which is the biggest in Southeast Asia is a joint project between Armindo Group and Orica Investment Pty Ltd., PT KNI President Director Antung Pandoyo said during the inauguration of the KNI plant in Bontang, East Kalimantan, on Friday.

He said the plant is 51 percent owned by Armindo Group and 49 percent by Orica Investment Pty Ltd.

The plant will produce ammonium nitrate used to make low explosives for coal, copper and gold mining companies, he said.

The construction of the ammonium nitrate plant is part of strategic steps to reduce the country`s dependence on imported raw materials to produce low explosives, he said.

"The KNI plant employs 160 workers consisting of engineers, technicians and two foreign skilled workers. The plant is expected to reduce ammonium nitrate by 40 percent," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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