Avocet plans to open gold mines in N. Sulawesi

British giant Avocet Mining has planned to open gold mining operations in the Bolaang Mongondow (Bolmong) regency in North Sulawesi, according to a local government official.

The head of the regency office for mining affairs, AR Mokoginta, said recently Avocet Mining was looking into several possibilities for its operations in the area, through its local subsidiary Avocet Bolmong Mining.

The Avocet management recently explained about its plans to local government officials, Mokoginta said.

?Hopefully, in 2003 the firm will start carrying out its exploitation activities,? the official said, adding that its exploratory project is still continuing in the Lanud Utara village in Modayag District.

Mokoginta said the firm will use advanced technology for processing and keeping its tailing on the ground instead of dumping it into the sea.

Avocet currently have mining operations in a number of countries including Malaysia and Portugal.

It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Vancouver Stock Exchange. (*)