Indonesian miner Antam reported a 50% year on year jump in nickel ore production for the first half of the year and said its USD 490 million alumina refinery will start operating in October, three months ahead of schedule.

The rise in output is in line with Antam's plans to boost production in 2013 ahead of a ban on ore exports by Indonesia due to come into effect in 2014.

Nickel ore production by Perusahaan Perseroan Aneka Tambang, or Antam, rose to 6,074,000 tonnes in the first half of the year from 4,041,000 tonnes a year ago.

Antam also reported ferronickel production of 10,166 tonnes for the period, up 27% from 8,009 tonnes a year ago. This figure represents 56% of the company's 2013 ferronickel output target of 18,000 tonnes. Antam's ferronickel sales volume rose 53% in the first half from a year ago.