Govt warns coal mining firms to be serious about environment

East Kalimantan?s Kutai Kertanegara Regent Syaukani HR warned coal mining companies operating in the regency to be serious with their environmental impact assessment (locally called AMDAL) or risk sanction.

Speaking in a forum with coal mining executives, Syaukani said that following the launching of the new autonomy law two years ago which give local administration greater power in managing economic and social affairs, the administration would not tolerate environmental destruction by coal mining operations.

?If we still find coal mining companies operating in Kutai Kertanegara with the behavior like in the past (not serious in protecting the environment), we?ll not be hesitant to withdraw their licenses,? he was quoted by the local Kaltim Post daily.

Syaukani said that Kutai Kertanegara regency had huge coal reserves which would take more than 30 years for exploitation.

He said that the administration would easily approve any expansion plan by coal mining companies which have been serious in protecting the environment.(*)