16 mining firms in protected forests will resume operation

At least 16 mining companies whose concession areas overlap with protected forests are still waiting for approval from the House of Representatives (DPR) to resume their operations, Neraca daily reported on Wednesday.

Director General for Geology and Mineral Resources Wimpy S. Tjetjep said in Jakarta on Tuesday that the government would soon submit the names of the 16 companies to the House to allow them to continue their activities.

"Of the 22 mining companies which have been in our priority, 16 firms are almost certain to be able resume their activities," he was quoted as saying. Wimpy, However, refused to unveil names of the 16 companies. "For your information, the office of the state minister for environmental affairs, the ministry of forestry and provincial authorities have agreed to allow them to resume their operations," he added.

According to Wimpy, PT Citra Palu Mineral whose concession also overlap with protected forests could not continue its operation because the local government refused to the land into mining area. "It is impossible for use to force local governments to turn part of their protected forests into mining area. They have their own policy," he added.

The new forestry law bans open-pit mining operations in forest conservation areas. The law has, however, sparked controversies because along before the introduction of the law, many investors such as PT Gag Nikel, have been awarded contracts to develop mineral resources, gas or oil in areas that has been categorized as protected forests.

At least 150 mining companies have been affected by the new law but the government only prioritize 22 of them to continue their activities. They include PT Weda Bay Nickel, PT Citra Palu Mineral, PT Gag Nickel, PT Nusa Halmahera Mineral, PT Freeport Company Indo (A) and (B), PT Nabira Bakti Mining, PT Aneka Tambang, PT Meratus Sumber Mas, PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, PT Inco Tbk, PT Horas Nauli, PT Natarang Mining, PT Sumbawa Timur Mining, PT Sorikmas Mining, PT Meares Soputan Mining, PT BHP Sumba Mineral, PT Riau Baraharun, PT Jorong Barutama Greston, PT Arutmin Indonesia, PT Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku and PT Indominco Mandiri. (*)