Antang Gunung Meratus? coal mining activities suspended

South Kalimantan-based coalminer PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) has been ordered to stop its mining activities from Friday (today) because it has allegedly failed to comply with the existing mining law, local daily Banjarmasin Post reported.

Hulu Sungai Selatan regent Sapi?i issued the order Wednesday during his visit to AGM?s mining sites in Malutu and Tambak Pipi villages.

Sapi?i said that the coalminer had failed to build roads for its activities, and also had not conducted environmental impact analysis as required by existing mining law.

So far, AGM had used roads built with government funds without permission from the government, Sapi?i said. The roads were now in a very poor condition, he added.

Meanwhile, following the suspension order, the local police said they were ready to provide security for the suspension of AGM?s mining activities.

HSS police chief Marisan said they had given the company three days to carry out necessary activities in their mining sites, including transporting its coal from the sites.

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