COMMENT | Calls for transparency on Sarawak coal mining plans

COMMENT | The Balingian coal field is an area of 41,000ha located near the Mukah and Balingian rivers in Sarawak, east of Sibu, Sarawak.

In 2017, it was reported that Sarawak held 1.5 billion tonnes of coal resources and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) was awarded three prospecting licenses for the Balingian deposits, which would supply coal for Sarawak’s “low-emission coal-fired power plants” for 25 years.

According to reports, the Balingian coal mine began operation in 2017, supplying 1.6 million tonnes of coal annually for domestic energy consumption in Sarawak.

Today, the Balingian coal mine is operated by Balingian Energy Minerals, with SEB controlling its majority ownership.