Mining official criticizes South Kalimantan coal policy

Head of South Kalimantan's mines and energy office Suharna A. Rasyid criticized the province's anti-illegal coal coordinating for imposing fines on illegal miners rather than confiscating their products.

Rasyid said the team's policy would encourage illegal miners to continue their activities.

Kapos reported that the anti-illegal coal team allowed illegal miners to send their coal out of the province provided that they pay Rp 15,000 (US$1=Rp 9,495) per ton in fine to the provincial authority.

Rasyid said the fine was too small to discourage the illegal miners from continuing their activities.

Rasyid proposed the illegal coals be confiscated and sold through a tender with proceeds delivered to the provincial coffer. (*)