Government allows mining activities on Gag island: Report

Minister of Forestry M. Prakoso has finally agreed to allow mining operations on Gag Island, one of an important conservation area in Papua province, paving the way for the continuation of a large-scale nickel mining project that will be developed by PT Gag Nikel in the area, Bisnis Indonesia reported on Tuesday.

After a long study, the government finally agreed to allow mining operations on 30 percent of the conservation area, Prakoso said in Jakarta on Monday, adding that the 30 percent of the area had met the qualification for mining activities.

"For the time being, we only allows 30 percent of the area for mining activities. The study will be continued to find out if the area for mining operations could be further expanded," he added.

The new forestry law bans open-pit mining operations in forest conservation areas. The law has, however, sparked controversies because along before the introduction of the law, many mining companies such as have been permitted to explore and produce mineral resources, gas or oil in areas that has been categorized as protected forests. At least 150 mining including PT Gag Nikel companies have to stop their activities following the introduction of the law.

According to Prakoso, his office is still studying whether the whole area of Gag Island can be converted into productive land. "At present, only 30 percent of the area met the technical requirement to be converted into a limited productive land. (*)