Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan 29/1 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) ensures no mining in Central Hulu Sungai (HST) District, South Kalimantan.
"The assurance was received when we with the South Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Agency consulted to the ministry in Jakarta last week," said Secretary of Commission III for Development and Infrastructure of provincial DPRD H Riswandi SIP here on Monday.
Commission III who also in charge of mining and energy, as well as the environment, conducted consultation related to the rejection of HST people against coal mining plans in the district.
According to the three-period legislator, the reason the ESDM Ministry confirmed no mining in "Bumi Murakata" (HST's nickname), because the mining company did not have environmental impact analyses (Amdal) document.
However, he added, the ministry requested a scientific study on the negative impacts of coal mining in the Meratus Mountain of HST, especially Batutangga Block, by Coal Mining Exploitation Work Agreement (PKP2B) holder.
"The result of the scientific study is necessary for the ministry to easily draw it out from the Decree of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 441.K/30/DJB/2017 on Adjustment of Phase of PKP2B Activities of PT Mantimin Coal Mining (MCM) in HST," he quoted.
Therefore, the legislator who represents Tapin, South Hulu Sungai (HSS) and HST hope that the scientific study on the negative impacts of the mining of the Batutangga Block will soon be fulfilled as requested by the ministry.
According to the senior politician of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), it is the responsibility of the HST district government to prepare it. "While the provincial government is providing support," Riswandi said.
The MCM's PKP2B includes Batutangga Block in HST, Juai Block in Balangan District, and Upau Block in Tabalong, the northernmost district of South Kalimantan bordering East Kalimantan.
