Banjarbaru closed for mining activities

The Banjarbaru mayoralty, South Kalimantan, has closed investment in the mining sector in its areas because of the sector's low financial contribution to the mayoralty's budget despite its large environmental impacts, Bisnis Indonesia daily reported on Wednesday.

Banjarbaru mayor Rudy Resnawan said that his mayoralty would still continue to attract foreign investment, but it would very selective in approving the investment proposal. For instance, whenever an investor applying for mining proposal, his mayoralty would turn it down.

"The contribution of the mining sector to the local administration is very small, but its environmental impacts is very great," said Rudy.

Rudi pointed out to diamond mining activities by PT Galuh Cempaka in Banjarbaru area as an example. "The contribution given by PT Galuh Cempaka to the local administration cannot be enjoyed and very, very small, but it lefts significant impacts." (*)