Miners planning to ramp-up output must revise environmental permit

By Adianto P. Simamora

Coal miners that target to increase annual production should first revise their environmental permit, Environmental Minister Balthasar Kambuaya warned.

"Coal mining company that would make changes in production target should also revise environment permit," he said.

The newly-issued Government Regulation (GR) Number 27/2012 requires business players to secure environmental permit as requirement to manage business license.

Minister Kambuaya said that coal companies with production of over 1 million tons per year or having concession area covering over 200 hectares must obtain environmental permit.

The GR says minister could revoke the business license of coal miner for failing to secure environmental permit.

"The GR carries the authority to impose stern sanctions to protect the environment," Minister Kambuaya said.

Editing by David Mustakim