Govt warns coal miners over reclamation funds

Three coal miners in South Kalimantan PT Kadya Caraka Mulia, PT Kalimantan Energi Lestari and PT Senamas Energindo Mulia have been warned for not depositing mandatory reclamation funds into banks appointed by the government, a senior governmental official has said.

Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Bambang Setiawan said during a hearing with House of Representatives? Commission VII which oversees among others mining affairs on Tuesday that the three miners would be given sanctions such as closure of their mining areas if they still did not heed the government?s warning.

Kadya Caraka's mine is located in Banjar regency, while both Kalimantan Energi and Senamas Energindo's are located in Kotabaru regency.

Aside from the three, Bambang said, the ministry has also demanded PT Dharma Puspita Mining to deposit mining closure guarantee fund. The firm is in the process of closing its mining operation. (bernard)