Two coal mining firms to operate in East Kalimantan in 2007

The Energy and Mineral Resources Agency in Berau regency, East Kalimantan has awarded operation permits to two new coal mining companies, PT Mega Alam Sejahtera (MAS) and PT Supra Bara Energi (SBE), Kaltim Pos reported Monday.

The two companies with 20 years-contract will start operation in 2007.

Head of Berau?s Energy and Mineral Resources Agency Wisnu Haris said in Tanjung Redep, East Kalimantan that the operation of the two companies is expected to boost local revenues and provide job opportunities for Berau residents, especially from mining sector.

The two companies have received permits related to their planned operation, such as land clearance, exploitation and construction. ?A study on the environmental impact assessment has also been conducted on the mining areas,? he said.

He said that the agency has given land clearance permit in stages to PT MAS and PT SBE, with land subject to clearance covering 4,000 hectares and 2,000 hectares respectively.

The mining sites are located in Lamin and Rantau Panjang village, Teluk Bayur District, not far from a mining area owned by coal firm PT Bara Jaya Utama. (*)