Coal policy review body to hear from Asia Energy today

---

The Coal Policy Review Committee (CPRC) is going to hear the view of Asia Energy in a meeting today (Friday), as the UK-based company pleaded to clarify its position about the Phulbari coalmine project, reports UNB.
The decision was taken by the committee in its last meeting on November 26, as Asia Energy wanted to make its position clear to the public about the country's coal sector in general and the Phulbari project in particular.
In a letter to CPRC Chairman Abdul Matin Patwari, Asia Energy said, some misinformation about the company itself and its Phulbari project have been disseminated in the local media, creating a misperception among the people.
"So, we want to make our position clear, and present our opinion before the review committee on the whole issue," the letter said.
After a brief discussion on Asia Energy's appeal, CPRC decided to hear the statement of the UK-based coalmine developer. The review committee is also expected to discuss the royalty issue in the meeting, as it could not reach any final decision on the matter.
Asia Energy, a subsidiary of Global Coal Management, conducted a feasibility study on the Phulbari coalmine project two years back, and submitted a plan to the government to develop the mine through open-cast method. But the government is yet to approve the project.
However, the anti-open mine campaigners have been opposing the Phulbari project on the plea of environmental damage and local people's displacement since the company announced its plan for open-cast mining.
The group organised a massive demonstration in August 2007 prompting Police to fire shots, leaving 6-8 people killed. A few days back, they also presented their opinion to CPRC.
The review committee in its last meeting also heard the opinion of an alliance of NGOs. Greater Dinajpur NGO Alliance Chairman Hamidul Haque read out a statement demanding a scope for participation of the local NGOs in development activities of the coalmine area, particularly of the Phulbari mine.
The alliance, which is a forum of about 30 local NGOs, working in Dinajpur, also presented views in favour of open-pit mining, as it is safer and more profitable.