The Coal Industry

In 1883,the coal concession were granted to William Cowie.Later, he transfered the concession to Charles Brooke.Brooke started to employ workers in Buang Tawar (in Pulau Berambang)& another in Muara.

Coal Production:

Coal mining were very important to the state economy.From 1888 to 1924,coal mine produced more than 652,000 tonnes of coal.


Transportation of Coal:

From Muara to Labuan & Singapore the coal was transported by steamers.British ship,Norwegian & Japanese Navy ship purchased coal from Brunei.


Development of Muara Town:

Effects of the discovery of coal were :-

• Population increased to 1,447 people by 1,911.
• Muara developed to become a self-sufficient town.
• Roads were built.

 On 31st December 1925,Brooke's monopoly on coal rights in Muara ended.


Decline of Coal Industry:

In 1920s,coal mining began to decline because:-

1) Unstable prices after the First World War.

• A worldwide shortage of coal after the First World War.
• The price fell down drastically from $17 per tonne in 1921 to $13 at the end of 1922.When prices fell as low as $9.50 per tonne in 1924, the Muara coal mine was closed down.

2) The discovery of oil in Pulau Berambang.

• Oil was discovered on Pulau Berambang the early 1900s.In 1924, the Brunei government halted coal production.

Still,during the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945,the Japanese forced local people to work in the coal mines.

Done By : Siti Nor Mardhiatul Hazirah