Illegal mines cause serious problem in South Kalimantan

Growing illegal mining activities have seriously damaged the environment in most parts of mineral resources-rich South Kalimantan province, Kompas reported on Monday.

The environmental damages can be found in Tanah Laut and Tanah Bambu regencies in the province, where dozens of huge holes left uncovered as the result of illegal mining operations.

The daily said that the worst condition was found in the Asam Asam sub-district in Tanah Laut regency. In this district, there was a hole with the depth of about 10 meters covering an area as big as a soccer field. The same condition was also found in Batu Licin and Santui districts.

The environmental advocacy group Walhi said that most of the huge holes were left by illegal miners following the police’s anti-illegal mining operation launched between August and October, this year.

According to Walhi, it would be difficult to rehabilitate the areas because no mining companies would be responsible to carry out the reclamation works. (*)