Million tons of mining deposits found in Central Kalimantan?s regency

Mining investors have discovered million tons of coal and gold deposits in Batara Regency, Central Kalimantan, local daily Kapos reported Tuesday.

Asran, head of the regency?s industry and trade office, said Monday investors had discovered about 230 million tons of coal deposits in ten districts, including Lahei, Laung Tuhup, Murung, Tanah Siang, Permata Intan, and Sumber Barito with the calorie content of between 6,300 and 7,600 kilocalorie per gram.

Investors have also found coal deposits of more than 318 tons in Gunung Timang, Gunung Purei, Teweh Tengah, Teweh Timur with the calorie content of between 5,300 and 6,200 kilocalories per gram.

?The coal deposits found in the ten districts are considered to have a high quality with thickness of between of one and four meters.

?Batara can compete with other areas in coal exports,? he said.

With regards gold, Asran said, five districts of the regency are believed to contain gold, including Murung, Permata Intan, Tanah Siang, Sumber Barito, Teweh Tengah.

In Murung, a gold deposit of more than 14,000 tons had been found at Mount Muro, he said.

Four rivers in the regency --- Sungai Untu, Sungai Manawing, Sungai Maan, Sungai Mihing ? were also believed to be rich with gold, he said.

?Gold deposits in the four rivers reach an estimated 2.8 tons with the purity rate of 24 carats,? he said.

He said 26 mining companies, including 18 coal companies and eight gold companies, have invested or are interested in investing in the districts.

Among the gold companies is PT Indo Muro Kencana, a subsidiary of Australia-based Aurora Gold, which have been in production for years.

Of the 18 coal companies, nine are now in the survey phase, and nine others have started exploration or constructions, he said. (*)