Coal transportation in C. Kalimantan paralyzed

The decline in the water level of the Barito river has paralyzed the coal transportation from Central Kalimantan, one of the country?s major coal producing provinces, Kompas reported Saturday.

At least 12 barges carrying between 2,500 tons and 3,500 tons of coal were stranded in the river due to the decline in the water level. The water level has dropped to about 2 meters from 5 meters in normal days due to the lack of rains.

About 108,000 tons of coal from Murung Raya and Barito Utara regencies could not be transported through the Barito river, which is used to transport most of the coal in the province.

?In normal condition, at least two barges transport coal through the river,? said Rizalfi, an official of the transportation department of the Barito Utara regency.

Major coal companies in Central Kalimantan include PT Marunda Graha Mineral, PT Suprabari Mapanindo Mineral, PT Bharinto Ekatama and PT Batubara Duaribu Abadi. (*)