Local govt warns miners not to damage environment

The regent of Tanah Laut regency in Central Kalimantan, Adriansyah has warned mining companies in the regency to take care of the environment in conducting their coal mining activities, Banjarmasin Post reported on Tuesday.

"The protection of the environment should be a priority of any mining company in the regency. Mining activities should be able to improve the people's welfare, not to damage the environment," he said.

The regent said improper mining operations were not only carried by illegal mining companies but also by those who had received licenses from the government. In addition, many of the mining companies were also reluctant to pay levies to the local government, he said.

He warned that the local government would be firmer in dealing with such naughty mining companies so that all mining companies in the regency could carry out their activities under the existing procedure. (*)