PTBA coal deposit in Ombilin at 1.9 million tons

State coal miner PT Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA)'s coal deposit for open pit mining activities in Ombilin Production Unit, West Sumatra, currently remains at 1.9 million tons, which would be exhausted by 2005.

When the coal production stopped in year 2005, it would affect many people in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, who had depended their lives to coal mining activities since 108 years ago.

In addition, a number of companies would also be affected by the stoppage of coal mining, including state-owned cement producer PT Semen Padang and coal-powered power plant in Sejantang - both of them consume coal as energy source for their production activities - as well as state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia, that has been transporting the coal from mining areas to its customers.

Meanwhile, mining activities since 108 years ago by Ombilin Production Unit have been producing 36.4 million tons. And currently the reserves stands at 1.9 million tons, and if there are no new coal reserves found, Ombilin Production Unit would have to stop its coal production by 2005.

All these problems would be discussed at a seminar to be held in Padang, West Sumatra, on June 30. The seminar is organized by the Padang Press Club. (*)