Freeport demanded to improve environmental protection in proposed revised COW
Tuesday, February 20 2001 - 04:00 AM WIB
State Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf said that the environmental task force, part of the inter-departmental team to review copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia's contract of works (COW), has completed its works and come up with some recommendations.
Some of those recommendations included the re-writing of articles 26 and 18 of the COW of fifth generation so that Freeport would improve its environmental management system, according to the prevailing laws.
In addition, the task force also suggested that the government require Freeport to be responsible for protecting the environment at the Lorenz National Park, including the glazier and snow-covered top of Mount Jayawijaya, as well as Arafura waters.
Besides, Freeport must also re-evaluate its environmental impact analysis (Amdal), environmental management plan and environmental supervisory plan.
The re-evaluation of those plans must be supported by comprehensive studies on the disposal of overburden, tailing management, as well as social aspects of Freeport's mining activities.
Speaking at a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission VIII on mining and energy, Sonny said that his party had asked Freeport to meet three requirements before it can use Lake Wanagon as its waste disposal site, that collapsed on May 4, 2000.
But so far, Freeport had not been able to meet the requirements, especially in conducting comprehensive geo-hydrology and geo-chemical studies in Wanagon area. "If until the end of this February, Freeport could not yet meet these requirements, I will advocate legal measures," Sonny said.
Sonny also suggested that the government demand additional compensation from Freeport over the use of Lake Wanagon as the company's tailing disposal site. (*)