Banpu's Jorong Barutama promises to reclaim ex-coalmines

The management of a coal mining venture owned by Thai energy conglomerate Banpu has promised to reclaim its ex-mines in South Kalimantan following mounting pressures from locals.

The president director of PT Jorong Barutama Greston (JBG), Laksono Peranto, said on Thursday his company had deposited quite a big amount of money at a bank as guarantee for coalmine reclamation work.

JBG operates coalmines in two locations in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan.

Laksono said they would consistently follow all government regulations pertaining to coal mining and environmental preservation. JGB would plant trees on reclaimed mines, he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the South Kalimantan office of mining affairs, Rachmat Norlias, said JGB had in fact reclaimed some mines in one of its coal mining locations.

Local villagers and traditional miners association (ASPERA) had continued pressing the local authorities to punish JGB which allegedly had failed to reclaim ex-mines. (Vocces)