More coal miners expected to soon sign amended contracts

By Thomas Sembiring

A number of coal miners holding the coal mining contracts of work (or PKP2B) are expected to finally soon sign amended contracts following prolonged negotiation with the government.

Director for Coal Management and Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Adhi Wibowo said Friday that 21 PKP2B coal miners have responded to the amended contracts drafted by the government.

?Some have agreed entirely to (the contract document), others made some notes,? Adhi said, but did not disclose the names of the companies.

He said that those who have approved the draft are expected to soon sign the amended contracts, while those put down notes to the draft may need further renegotiation with the government. He said that if the notes are not significant, such as related only to wordings, then it can be resolved quickly as well.

Adhi said that the government remains consistent with the October deadline to complete the amendment of the mining contracts, to be adjusted to the terms stipulated in the 2009 Mining Law.

Of the 73 PKP2B coal miners, so far only 10 which have recently agreed and signed the amended contracts. The government has warned miners that failing to meet the deadline would risk their contracts not to be renewed upon expiry.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak