Barabai, S Kalimantan (Antaranews Kalsel) - PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) announced a study on Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) related to increasing coal mining production capacity from 10 million tons to 25 million tons per year which is integrated with haul roads, docks, special coal terminals, and other supporting facilities.
PT AGM is the holder of the contract of work agreement for coal mining company which administratively located in Banjar, Tapin, South Hulu Sungai, and Central Hulu Sungai (HST) districts.
For the HST region, the administrative area for the preparation of the Amdal includes South Batang Alai (BAS), Batu Benawa, Haruyan, and Hantakan subdistricts.
The Amdal activity also aims to study and analyze changes in positive and negative impacts so that environmental management and monitoring can be carried out sustainably on the components of the affected environment.
In the announcement it was stated that the affected people and environmentalists could provide advice and opinions and written responses no later than 10 working days after the announcement was submitted as a study and review in the process of preparing the Amdal.
Acting Regent of HST H A Chairansyah on Monday (2/25) in Barabai stated that the government and the community remained committed to rejecting mining activities on the Earth of Murakata (nickname of HST).
"We, as the HST District Government, continue to fight that there is not a single mining activity for oil palm or coal to be done in this district," he said.
Chairansyah said that at present his party is still conducting studies related to mining activity permit regulations in the province.
Acting Head of Environment and Transportation Agency Muhammad Yani said the objection was not only submitted by the HST district government. Various components of society from farmers or farmer groups, nature lovers, and government institutions also act the same.
"The area or location proposed by PT AGM is a water catchment area for irrigation in several villages and sub-districts in the HST which reaches 4,000 hectares," he said.
Reflecting on the damage caused by mining activities in various regions, it is possible that floods will continue to come in the rainy season and drought will come in the dry season, due to damage to water resources.
"The disaster will cause misery for the wider community. In addition, the HST is also a stronghold of our community's food security in South Kalimantan," said Yani.
