Illegal coal mining in S. Kalimantan continues

Illegal coal mining in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan continues despite the local government?s promise to shut down all the coal mining areas operated without proper permits, Banjarmasin Pos reported on Tuesday.

Illegal coal mining activities are still seen in several districts in the regency including in Batulicin, Geronggang, Kelumpang Tengah and Satui.

Besides the illegal miners, several companies and cooperatives including KUD Murah Rezeki, CV Kurnia Jaya Manunggal and PT Tekad Bakti Benua operate coal-mining areas under operating permits from the local government.

The local administration in cooperation with the police has since August launched a special operation against the illegal coal miners in the regency. A number of people suspected of conducting illegal mining activities have been arrested. Several illegal coal-mining areas have been also closed down. (*)