Two geothermal fields in Malang to be explored soon

The local government of the Malang regency in East Java will soon begin the exploration of two geothermal fields in Mount Arjuno in Karangploso district and in Mount Kawi in Wonosari district, in cooperation with private companies, Tempo.co reported on Friday.

The head of the mining office at the Malang regency?s administration, Budi Iswoyo said on Friday that the exploration of the two geothermal fields would cost about Rp 200 billion. ?The exploration of each field will cost Rp 100 billion,? he said.

He said that the exploration would be carried out by the companies winning the tender for the exploration and development of the field, which would be launched by the East Java provincial administration later this year.

?We hope the exploration could be started this year,? he added.

He said that according to a survey conducted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the two geothermal fields have the capacity to produce 140 megawatt of power supply

Budi said that the two geothermal fields are part of nine geothermal fields found in East Java during the survey conducted by the minister several years ago. (*)