Illegal coal mining activities linger in Kalimantan

Illegal coal mining activities continue to operate in many parts of Tenggarong regency, East Kalimantan despite the launch of the anti-illegal coal mines in the regency early this month, Kompas reported on Monday.

According to the daily's investigation, illegal coal mining activities can be still found in many parts of the regency, especially in districts of Sangasanga and Muara Jawa and nearby areas.

Kompas said that heavy equipment still continued with their routine activities in the illegal mining areas despite the government's sweeping operation against illegal coal mining activities in Kalimantan. The illegal miners mostly used their own road and ports in transporting their coal.

The local police seized at least 200,000 tons of illegal coal during an anti-illegal mine operation held in the Tenggarong regency early this month. At least five noted businessmen were allegedly involved in the illegal coal operations.

Illegal coal mines are mushrooming in many parts of East Kalimantan, the largest coal producer in the country. The illegal coal mines which mostly operate within a mining area of a licensed coal mining firm have caused a serious damage in the environment. (*)