Though we no longer have mining operations in Thailand due to depletion of coal reserves, we have instead utilized our expertise in coal exploration and production overseas. In addition, we are a pioneer in greenfield private power plant development in Thailand and the first company responding to the liberalization of the Thai energy sector, resulting in our immense experience developing successful power projects in the country. At present, we hold 50% of BLCP Power Limited, which is a 1,434 MW coal-fired power plant at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province.

Our latest power development project is the 1,878 MW Hongsa Mine-Mouth Power Plant in Hongsa District, Xayaburi Province of Lao PDR, a collaboration among Banpu, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PLC and Lao Holding State Enterprise. Hongsa Power project is now under construction, expected to commence its commercial generation in 2015, and will supply electricity to both Thailand and the Lao PDR.

Banpu has been involved in Indonesia's mining industry since 1991. At present, PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk (ITM),a subsidiary registered in the Indonesia Stock Exchange , operates five open-pit mines in Kalimantan, namely Indominco, Jorong, Kitadin, Trubaindo, and Bharinto. The high-quality bituminous and sub-bituminous coal they produce, with a capacity of about 27 million tonnes per year, goes toward domestic consumption and export. (For more details see http://www.itmg.co.id)

Banpu first expanded into China in 2003 by means of a joint venture in the coal industry. Presently, we hold 45%of Shanxi Gaohe Energy Company Limited, which operates the Gaohe underground coal mine in Shanxi province. Gaohe is expected to start its commercial production in 2012 and will reach full capacity of 6 million tonnes per year by 2013. Banpu also has a 40% stake in Hebi underground coal mine in Henan province with annual capacity of 1.5 million tonnes.

Since 2006, Banpu has broadened its investment in the Chinese power sector. Its subsidiary, Banpu Investment (China) Company Limited, currently operates three coal-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the north of the country, namely Luannan and Zhengding power plants in Hebei Province and Zouping power plant in Shandong Province with total capacity of 248 MW of electricity and 808 tonnes per hour of steam.

For greater growth, corporate value, and geographical diversification, Banpu wholly acquired Centennial Coal Company Limited in the latter half of 2010. Centennial is a coal mining and marketing company supplying thermal coal and coking coal to the domestic and export markets. It owns 10 coal mines (underground and open-pit) in the north and west of New South Wales with a total annual production capacity of around 18-19  million tonnes. (See more details at http://www.centennialcoal.com.au)

By the end of 2011, Banpu took another decisive step towards growing its coal business through the acquisition of Hunnu Coal Limited, an Australian company specializing in coal exploration and development in Mongolia.  Currently, Hunnu has as many as 15 thermal and coking coal development areas.  This investment brings new business opportunities in Mongolia for Banpu since the country has extensive coal deposits, rapidly developing infrastructure, and close proximity to attractive export markets such as China. This year, Tsant Uul project will commence its operation with a production capacity of around 1 million tonnes.