Langit Timur starts first-ever coal exploration in Papua

Coal miner PT Langit Timur Energy, previously named PT Transbara Coal Services, has started exploration in a West Papua prospect, making it the first private firm to conduct coal exploration in the region.

The mines cover 200,000 hectares (ha) of lands in Dataran Beimes, Bintuni regency. ?We have seven IUPs with total areas of 100,000 ha and two other IUPs with total areas of 100,000 ha,? the company?s official told Petromindo.Com.

At first, the company will conduct exploration over 6,000 ha within the two IUPs, the official said, adding that preliminary result from exploration activity shows is a coking coal potential.

?Too early to mention the resource and reserve of the mine and also the company?s production plan,? the official said without giving further details.

The company acquired the mines in end of 2010, the official said.

In February 2011, the company announced in the national newspaper that it plans to conduct environmental impact assessment (AMDAL) in the mine with coverage area of 18,853 ha. (denny)