New coalmine operation to start in Jambi

PT Inti Tirta Prima Sakti will soon start the exploration works on its coal mine concession in Batanghari regency, Jambi and it expects the first production could be made by the end of this year, Sriwijaya Pos reported on Monday.

The company's executive Wienartono said that he hoped the company would be able to begin its coal exports from the coalmine before the end of this year. "We hope to export about 200,000 tons this year," he said after a meeting with the regent of the Batanghari regency.

During the meeting, the company's executives asked the local authority to help them in land clearing operation. "A smooth land clearance is needed to prevent conflicts with the local people," he added.

The Batanghari regent Ridwan Gerasab welcame the company's operation and he promised to provide necessary helps to support the company's mining activities, which would not only provide new jobs for the locals but would also generate funds to support the regency's budget.

According to the new autonomy law, the regency will receive about 80 percent of the royalties, which would be paid by the company to the government, while other 20 percent would go to the provincial administration. (*)