Marginal coal miners resume operations

By Edgar Subroto

In the wake of raids by the local police that have lasted for two weeks, marginal coal miners in South Kalimantan have resumed their coal mining and hauling operation since last night (Sept. 26), a source told Petromindo.com.

"I was informed that all activities are back to normal throughout South Kalimantan," the source said.

Loading activities have also resumed to normal, with up to 20 vessels currently stand by at Muara Satuhi. Current weather seems to support normal operation.

The South Kalimantan police regularly conduct raids against rampant illegal mining operations in the province. The previous raid against illegal mining, which has been instructed by the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta and is expected to last until September 28, has been carried out across all coal-producing areas in the province including Jorong, Kintap, Asam-Asam, Satui, Sungai Danau, and Batu Licin, the source said.

As reported earlier, the raids against illegal mining activity had hampered coal loading activities such as in Muara Satui anchorage. Some coal traders get coal from marginal miners including illegal ones to fulfill commitment for buyers at home and overseas.

Editing by Er Audy Zandry