Antam denies any involvement in Lumajang criminal case

By Tri Subhki R

IDX-listed mining firm PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) stated that it has no involvement in the high profile criminal case reportedly involving sand miners in Pasirian District, Lumajang Regency, East Java.

Antam said in a statement that it hold s a production operation IUP mining business permit for a 504 hectares of iron sand concession at Wotgalih Village, in Yosowilangun District, which is located 15 kilometers eastward of Pasirian District.

?Antam and its subsidiary PT Antam Resourcindo (ARI) have yet to conduct any physical activity in the area,? the statement said, adding that the company is currently in the process of returning the IUP permit to the local Lumajang administration.

The Lumajang case has gained national attention after a villager protesting sand mining activities in Pasirian due to negative impact to the local environment was killed last month by a group of thugs believed to be paid by miners.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak