British firm to mine gold in Irian Jaya

British gold mining company Corporation Iriana is eyeing an opportunity to mine gold in Korindo village, South Supiori sub-district in Biak Numfor district, Irian Jaya.

Head of the South Supiori tribal leader Daan Warikar said in Biak on Tuesday that the British company had expressed its interest to mine gold in his area.

"As a traditional owner of the land, I have been contacted by the company after they conducted a survey at Korido village, and I welcomes their plan," he said.

He noted that any mining company wanting to explore minerals in an area where local people have tribal rights over the land should consult local people so that the company's activities would be supported by the people.

Warikar said the presence of the British company in his area must be welcomed because it would open new employment opportunities for locals and also increase local income from taxes or royalty.

"I ask the people to support the company, because its presence here will have a positive impact for the people, and I also ask the company to discuss everything with the people in a transparent way," he noted. (*)