S. Kalimantan govt told to intensify operation against illegal mining

Members of the legislative councils of South Kalimantan have asked the provincial administration to intensify its operation against the growing illegal mining activities in the province, Kompas reported on Saturday.

The legislators said that the local government's efforts to curb the mushrooming illegal mines had been very disappointing despite the issuance of a special ruling to cope with the problem.

"The blue print on how to deal with the illegal mines had been issued on January 18, but there has been no action so far taken by the government," said HM Said, a member of the legislative council.

Illegal mining activities in the province have been growing since the past few years causing a massive destruction on the environment. The coal production from illegal mines has reached over 10 million tons a year, exceeding the average production of the licensed mining companies in the province.(*)