The decision by the Indonesian government to allow 13 mining companies to prospect and operate in p
Published by MAC on 2004-03-16
The decision by the Indonesian government to allow 13 mining companies to prospect and operate in protected forest areas has appalled a large number of Indonesians and activists around the world. While big multinational mining companies (such as BHPBilliton) stand to gain from this decision, it is the Indonesian company Antam which seems least abashed at the betrayal
Antam ready to start mining in protected forest
Miningindo News
16 March 2004
PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) will definitely start the resumption of its mining operation following the issuance of regulation in lieu of law (Perpu) no. 1/2004. The Perpu shall allow the resumption of mining activities by 13 operators in protected forests.
Antam's corporate secretary Dohar Siregar to Investor Indonesia daily said it on Mar.15 in Jakarta.
"We are happy that we can go ahead with the resumption of our mining activities. But we have to wait for the issuance of the presidential decree, which is to legislate the mining resumption in protected forests," said Siregar. According to him, the issuance of the Perpu would indeed give positive impacts to mining industry of the country while creating better image amidst the international mining communities.
Siregar said that Antam is ready to start the mining resumption together with the other partners under the joint venture such as PT Weda Bay Nickel, PT gag Nickel, and PT Sorikmas Mining. "Our affiliates i.e. Buli-Maut and Bh Bulu Sutra are also ready to start operating," said Siregar. So far Antam still focuses on nickel mining with open-pit method.