PT Bumi Darma operates illegally at PT Arutmin?s concession area

Coal equipment of PT Bumi Darma Kencana was seized by the police on Saturday for illegally operating at PT Arutmin?s coal mine concession area in Satui district of the Kotabaru regency in South Kalimantan.

The mining equipment which include two excavators, and a dumping truck were seized a special team from the local police carried an operation against illegal coal miners in the regency, Banjarmasin Pos reported on Monday.

Bumi Darma told the local authority that it operated at its own coal concession owned by a cooperative. However, after being confirmed with the local mining office, the company?s mining area was part of the concession area awarded to PT Arutmin.

Bumi Resources, a local listed firm had recently agreed to buy 80 percent of Arutmin shares owned by BHP-Billiton. The remaining 20 percent of Arutmin stake, which is one of the country's top producers, is owned by Bakrie Brothers. (*).(*)