Only six coal miners in Tanah Laut active

Tanah Laut, one of natural resources rich regencies in South Kalimantan, has issued permits to at least 45 coal mining companies as of 2003. Of the 45 coal mining companies, 22 are permitted to exploit their concessions while the other 23 are still in exploration stage, Banjarmasin Pos daily reported on Saturday.

The head of the local mine office, Yusuf Helmi, told the paper that of the 22 coal mining companies, only six were still active. Of the six, only three were running their operations smoothly.

He said that this year, Tanah Laut regency would be more selective in awarding new mining permits because most of the existing mining companies did not show seriousness to carry out exploration activities.

"If it is needed, the regency will halt the issuance of new permits," he said. (*)