S. Sumatra issues coal exploration permit

Empat Lawang regency administration in South Sumatra province has issued a coal exploration permit to local firm PT Nur Eka Jakarta, the province-based newspaper Sriwijaya Post reported Thursday.

Empat Lawang's Mining and Energy Office Head H.Z Fanani said on Wednesday that the mining permit (KP) covered about 3,000 hectares of areas in Tebing Tinggi district.

"The company is conducting general survey. Based on a temporarily result, the KP area has about 40 million tons of coal reserves with a calorie content of 4,600 kcal/kg," he said. (*)