"Illegal" coal mining activities continue in South Kalimantan

Illegal coal mining activities in South Kalimantan, particularly in the province's Tanah Laut regency, continue despite the local government's stricter measure against the illegal mining activities in the province, Banjarmasin Pos reported on Thursday.

The head of the mining office in Tanah Laut regency, Sukrie Djamus, said illegal miners managed to ship the illegally-mined coal from the regency with false documents. "We are still investigating the source of the false documents," he added.

In a bid to curb illegal coal mining activities, the local government has taken a stricter control against all activities related to coal exploration, production and shipment. The amount of the coal being shipped should, for example, equal the amount of the coal production of each coal mining company.

At least 22 companies have obtained licenses to develop coal mining activities in Tanah Laut regency, but only a half of them are being active. (*)