Mifa?s coal barge sinks at sea

A barge carrying coal belonging to Aceh-based coal miner PT Mifa Bersaudara sank on Friday at the sea not far from a coal-fired power plant in Suak Puntong, Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh Province, Tribunnews.com reported.

The report said that the vessel sank due to heavy storm, spilling the coal. Suak Puntong villagers complained about the scattered coal at the shore, creating concerns over environmental damage. The news portal quoted local administration public relation official Arafik Karim as saying that the company must clean up the shore from the scattered coal so as not to disturb the local marine environment. There is no clear confirmation yet from Mifa as to what really happened to the barge.

Mifa Bersaudara, a subsidiary of PT Reswara Minergi Hartama, said in February it plans to boost coal production this year to 2.5 million tons from 500,000 tons last year.

Mifa Bersaudara produces 3,400 kcal/kg (GAR) coal with very low sulfur content at 0.15 percent but relatively high moisture content. (*)