Antam in talks with govt to obtain SE Sulawesi nickel mining permit
Thursday, November 1 2001 - 01:31 AM WIB
State miner PT Aneka Tambang Tbk. Said on Wednesday it had begun negotiations with the Ministry of Forestry to obtain full mining access on some blocks of the Bahubulu island nickel prospect in South East Sulawesi, which is located within a protected forest and a marine park.
The company said in its quarterly report that as at September 30, 20001, insitu indicated mineral resources at Bahubulu were estimated at 7,170,000 wmt Saprolite @ 2.43 percent Ni and 6.8 percent Fe/Ni; and 23,200,000 wmt Limonite @ 1.51 percent Ni and 32.84 Fe.
The report said during the third quarter Antam carried out the pre-feasibility study and environmental impact assessment pertaining to the nickel resources at the island.
The company said activities at Bahubulu were subsequently decreased and then halted pending the successful outcome from negotiations. Antam has several exploration sites in the area and in early September 2001 the exploration activity was moved to Boenaga, which is showing promise as another resource of lateritic nickel. (alex)