Thousands of tons of illegal coal shipped from seized mining companies

The shipment of coal from a number of coal producers in South Kalimantan which have been recently forced to stop their operation due to their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities continue despite the tight guard made by the local police, Banjarmasin Post reported on Thursday.

The daily said that over 20,000 tons of coal had been taken out from a stockpile owned by businessman Wahab in the Batulicin district of the province?s Kotabaru regency although the coal had been seized due to the involvement of the man?s companies in illegal mining operation.

The local people suspected that Wahab was still able to transport its coal due to a protection from a high-ranking police officer.

In a recent operation, the South Kalimantan police has closed down the operation of at least 14 mining companies for their alleged involvement in illegal coal production. Besides closing their mining areas, the police also seized thousands of tons of coal in their stockpiles.

The head of the police in Kotabaru, Tjetjep A confirmed the shipment of the illegal coal. "The coal were released from the seized stock pile due to a recommendation from the local mining office," his assistant Harseno said. (*)