BHP carries out environmental studies on coking coal project

Australia resources giant BHP Billiton is planning to carry out environmental impact assessment (EIA) on its Central Kalimantan coking coal project.

A joint announcement by the company?s unit PT Juloi Coal and Central Kalimantan regional governments said that the study will cover Juloi Coal concession of 95,600 hectares in Murung Raya regency.

The announcement asked for inputs and responses from stakeholders over the planned coal mining operations in the concession area.

EIA is mandatory for coal mining companies before starting coal mining activities.

The announcement did not give further detail about production commencement schedule or planned output.

BHP Billiton has several concessions in Central Kalimantan which were awarded in 2000 but thus far has yet reached production stage due to logistical challenges and forestry problems. (alex)