10 firms apply for coal exploration licenses in E. Kutai

At least 10 companies have submitted proposals to East Kutai regency administration in East Kalimantan to explore and develop coal reserves in the area, local daily Kaltim Post reported Monday.

The firms are PT Taraco Mining, PT Bina Bara Sejahtera, PT Indexim Coalindo, PT TB Sangatta Prima, PT Galicari, PT Wadung Mas Tambang, PT Tele Orbit Prima, PT Pinang Jaya Murni, PT Timah Batubara Utama and PT Daya Sejahtera Persada, the paper quoted as saying Roos Darno, head of East Kutai office of mining affairs.

Roos said local authorities would make sure that any coal company operating in East Kutai would maintain a healthy environment in the area and contribute sufficiently for the welfare of the local community.

He said further that PT Kobexindo and PT Perkasa Inakaerta, had obtained licenses and had commenced coal exploration in East Kutai on 16,000 hectares and 35,700 hectares of land, respectively.

East Kutai has probable coal reserves of 1.9 billion metric tons, estimated deposits of 720,300 metric tons, and probable reserves of 2.6 billion metric tons, Roos said.

Large coal miners are in operation in the regency including PT Kaltim Prima Coal, PT Indominco Mandiri and PT Kitadin. (*)