PT ABB to mine coal reserves in Central Kalimantan's Kapuas district

PT Asmin Bara Bronang (ABB) plans to mine the coal potential in three villages in the Kapuas district, Central Kalimantan, according to Kapuas Regent Burhanuddin Ali.

Burhanuddin was quoted by the local Banjarmasin Post daily as saying that he had held a meeting with other related officials of his administration to approve the ABB plan.

He said that the administration had warned ABB to protect the local environment and preserve the local culture.

Local legislator Punding L. Bangkan said that ABB must observe the local Dayak culture and belief including the restriction for the company to enter a certain area of the mining site during a certain period.

ABB is a Jakarta-based coal mining company. It plans to start the mining operation in 2008 with a production plan of 1-3 million tons per year.(*)