C. Sulawesi governor gives Inco deadline until March

Central Sulwesi governor Bandjela Paliudju has given PT international Nickel Corporation (Inco) deadline until March 1 to begin mining operation in the company?s concession areas in Morowali regency. Otherwise, the company should return a part of their mining areas to the local authority.

?We have met them [Inco executives] last weekend in a meeting also attended by Morowali regent and head of mining office. So, they have been informed about our warning,? Paliudju said in the Central Sulawesi capital Palu on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Inco was asked to begin mining operation in their concession areas in Bahodopi and Kolonodale blocks, he said, adding that Inco could use its own resources or cooperate with other companies to carry out the mining activities. ?But for sure, on March 1, there should be mining activities,? he said.

The governor said that his office had also sent a letter the energy and mineral resources ministry asking it to return at least 25 percent of Inco?s mining areas in the province to the local government so that the land could be used by local residents.

At present, Inco controls of more than 36,000 hectares of mining areas in both Bahodopi and Kolonodale blocks. The local government has accused the company of neglecting its mining areas as no significant mining activities have been made since the company obtained the mining permits more than 40 years ago.

Several weeks ago, Southeast Sulawesi government decided to take over thousands of hectares of Inco?s mining areas in the province, also because the company was accused of neglecting its mining areas. (*)