Labfor And ESDM Investigate The Cause Of The Mining Burst In Sawahlunto

Victims of a new coal mine explosion belonging to PT Nusa Alam Lestari in Sawahlunto. (photo: dock. intermediate)

The forensic laboratory team (labfor) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) investigated the cause of the explosion of a new coal mine belonging to PT Nusa Alam Lestari in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. In that incident, 10 miners were killed.

"It is still being investigated by the laboratory and the ESDM team," said Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Dedi Prasetyo when confirmed, Saturday, December 10.

So far, the cause of the explosion has not been confirmed. Although, it is suspected that the explosion was due to the coal mining hole containing methane gas.

On the previous occasion, the Director-General of Mineral and Coal, Ridwan Djamaluddin, said that after the explosion occurred, the mining inspector immediately investigated further regarding the cause of the explosion.

"Four teams from the Inspector of Mines of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources led directly by the Coordinator of the West Sumatra Province Mine Inspector have arrived at the blast site to conduct initial inspections, coordinate the evacuation of victims, and carry out investigations into the explosion incident," said Ridwan.

The explosion occurred in a new coal mine in Salak Village, Talawi District, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, on Friday, December 9. At least 154 miners were victims.

Of the dozens of miners, 10 of them died and four others survived despite their injuries.