Kutai Kartanegara takes action against illegal mining, environmental violation
Thursday, May 22 2014 - 01:36 AM WIB
The local Kaltimpost daily reported Wednesday that the local Muara Jawa Police have detained three officials from coal mining contractors PT Usaha Kawan Energi and PT Gelagah Wangi Energi and named them as suspects in the latest crackdown against illegal mining activities in the district.
Muara Jawa Police Chief Abdul Karim was quoted as saying that the two contractors had continued to carry out mining activities for about 20 days at the coal mining site of CV Bunga Bone although the latter?s mining permit had already expired since April 11, 2014.
?We?re quite serious in cracking down illegal miners,? he said, adding that the police have also seized the heavy equipment of the two companies.
The latest crackdown against illegal miners comes after the local regency administration recently suspended the operation of eight coal mining firms for breach of environmental regulations, seen as part of renewed efforts by the local authorities to enforce mining regulations in the region to put the sector in order.
Coal mining firm PT Rinjani Kartanegara, which operates concession in Loa Kulu, for instance, was suspended for three months for over production. Two other firms including PT TMU, and PT A were also given similar sanction by the regency administration, Kaltimpost said.
Meanwhile, five other miners have also been given sanction for failing to properly manage their toxic waste materials and other regulatory violations. They include PT AJB, PT PGM, CV L, PT STA and PT KBP, Kaltimpost said.
?As a regent, it?s in my interest to protect the environment. If they (the miners) neglect (preserving) the environment, I would be less care with their businesses,? Regent Rita Widyasari said.
She said that the administration is currently conducting major evaluation into mining companies operating in the regency including to make sure they follow environmental regulations. ?There?s no more lobbying. Those failing to take care of the environment, I will suspend their license,? she stressed. (*)