E. Kutai regency revokes 7 coal miners extension permits

The local government of East Kutai regency has revoked the extension permits of seven coal mining companies to carry out coal exploration activities in the regency due to their failure to obtain forest lease permits from the Forestry Ministry, Kaltim Post reported Wednesday.

The seven companies are PT Pusaka Nusantara Semesta (14,610 Ha), PT Barasindo Kutai Timur (14,540 Ha), PT Riski Tambang Semesta (15,180 Ha), PT Sindo Bara Semesta (14,290 Ha), PT Sindo Mining Semesta (10,070 Ha) and PT Sindo Coal Perkasa (15,030 Ha).

East Kutai's Regent Isran Noor said in Senggata on Tuesday that the revocation of the extension permits was based on the recommendation from the regency?s mining and energy office.

According to the existing regulation, mining companies operated in forest areas should first receive a forest lease permit to be able to carry out their exploration. ?They had been given enough time to obtain the forest lease permits, but they have failed to do so,? he added. (*)