Sarolangun has a potential coal reserve of 399 million tons

Jambi (ANTARA News) - The potential coal reserves in Sarolangun regency, Jambi province, according to provisional estimates reached 399 million tons with a calorie of 4,800-6,800.

This is merely a provisional estimate, but a thorough study and research will tell more than that, Sarolangun regency chief Hasan Basri Agus said in Jambi on Friday.

A number of potential foreign investors including from India have started eyeing the significant coal reserves in the regency and planned to build coal-fired power plants.

"The coal reserves if used to run power plants at he coal mine entrances would last 20 to 30 years," Hasan Basri said.

Sarolangun regency not only have potential coal reserves, but also other minerals including natural oil and gas, as well as gold.

Some local investors have started exploiting the coal reserves in the last few years to meet the needs of coal-fired power plants and the Padang cement plant.

The biggest coal reserve in Sarolangun regency is found in Sarolangun and Pauh subdistricts.

The regency is currently focusing one of its mining sectors on coal and oil and gas for its economic development and raising the income of its people.