Villagers block Banpu?s mines

Tens of villagers in West Kutai regency blockaded road to a pit operated by PT Trubaindo Coal Mining, a unit of Thai energy firm Banpu PLC since Wednesday, Kompas daily reported on Thursday.

The villagers are blocking the road as they considered Trubaindo has yet fully paid land compensation for them.

Villagers at Kutai Kartanegara regency are also reportedly blocking mining activities of Trubaindo sister company PT Kitadin, demanding the company to pay compensation for their harvest failure.

None of the companies? officials were available for confirmation.

Banpu operates its Indonesian mining unit through its subsidiary PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk, which is listed at the Indonesia Stock Exchange.(*)