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Kaltim Prima Coal Mine

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Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)

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The Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) mine, located in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, stands as one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines and is a critical asset for Indonesia's energy sector. Established in 1982, the company commenced commercial production in 1991 and currently manages a vast concession area covering approximately 90,000 hectares. The mine produces high-quality thermal coal, which is primarily exported to major Asian markets, significantly boosting the regional and national economy. Operations utilize massive excavation machinery and advanced logistics to maintain an annual output of tens of millions of tonnes. Beyond its economic contributions, the mine is a focal point for environmental discussions regarding tropical rainforest preservation and land reclamation efforts. The site features its own integrated infrastructure, including power plants and a private deep-water port facility for efficient maritime transport of coal.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525262625252525262625
Rain mm240198215207212161162118163189206237

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kaltim Prima Coal Mine in Sangatta is an enormous open-pit mining operation, significantly shaping East Kalimantan's industrial landscape and global coal exports.
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Visiting
As a highly restricted industrial zone, this immense mining complex is generally closed to regular tourists, though scheduled official or educational tours might occasionally occur.
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Where to view it
Travelers can occasionally catch distant glimpses of the expansive excavated terrain and the massive heavy machinery from specific elevated points along the surrounding regional roads.
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Local products
In the bustling nearby town of Sangatta, visitors can typically find bustling local markets offering a variety of regional Indonesian foods, crafts, and practical goods catering to the mining community.
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Active season
The extensive mining operations generally run continuously throughout the entire year, but the drier months from June to September often offer better regional road conditions for exploring the surrounding areas.
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Nearby
Exploring this industrial periphery pairs wonderfully with venturing deeper into the lush tropical forests of East Kalimantan or visiting the nearby Kutai National Park to observe indigenous orangutans.

Geography

Coordinates
1.14000, 117.47000

Facts

  • Exploration began in the year 1982
  • Commercial production started in 1991
  • The concession area covers about 90,000 hectares
  • Annual output exceeds 50 million tonnes of coal
  • Features a private port terminal at Tanjung Bara
  • Majority owned by the company Bumi Resources

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KenyamukanKenyamukan37 km · NEExplore →
SamarindaSamarinda89 km · SEExplore →
Mahakam RiverMahakam River93 km · EExplore →
Derawan IslandsDerawan Islands120 km · NWExplore →
BalikpapanBalikpapan141 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Kaltim Prima Mine?
In Sangatta, East Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo.
What is mined there?
It is one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines.
Can you see the reclamation?
The mine is known for its efforts in reforesting former mining areas.
Which national park is nearby?
Kutai National Park, known for its orangutans, is located very close by.
Who owns the mine?
It is operated by PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC).
Kaltim Prima Coal Mine: where is it located?
Kaltim Prima Coal Mine is located in Indonesia.
Kaltim Prima Coal Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kaltim Prima Coal Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) mine, located in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, stands as one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines and is a critical asset for Indonesia's energy sector.
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Nearby cities

Samarinda — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Samarinda
Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan, located on the Mahakam River.
Balikpapan — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Balikpapan
Balikpapan is a seaport city in East Kalimantan, and a center for Indonesia's oil and gas industry.
🗺️
Kenyamukan
An emerging coastal area in East Kalimantan, known for its port and proximity to protected mangrove forests.
Derawan Islands — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Derawan Islands
A tropical paradise off Borneo known for sea turtles, manta rays, and a stingless jellyfish lake.
Togean Islands — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Togean Islands
A remote archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, famous for its stingless jellyfish lake and untouched nature.

History & landmarks

Tana Toraja — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Tana Toraja
A cultural highland famous for its unique funeral rituals and traditional boat-shaped Tongkonan houses.

Nature

Mahakam River — Kaltim Prima Coal Mine (Indonesia)
Mahakam River
The second longest river in Indonesia, in East Kalimantan.