Antang given deadline to fulfill obligation to S. Kalimantan regency

Hulu Sungai Selatan (HSS) regency administration in South Kalimantan has urged coalminer PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) to immediately fulfill its obligation of providing financial contribution to the local government, the local Banjarmasin Post daily reported on Thursday.

The paper quoted HSS regent M. Sapi'i as saying that Antang was given until end of August to make the contribution. The paper did not say whether Antang would face sanction if it fails to meet the deadline.

"The company must fulfill its obligation by (end of) August," Sapi'i said.

The company has been alleged of trying to avoid paying the financial contribution for the local government, which the paper said was based on a minister of energy and mineral resources decree issued in March 2003.

Sapi'i also said that Antang must also build roads for its operations in HSS as obliged by existing mining law. So far, the company had used roads built by the government, Sapi?i added.

Meanwhile, AGM president director Anthony said they would discuss their case with local government officials and regency councilors.

AGM produced around 465,000 tons of coal in 2002. (*)