Govt defends extension of Newmont?s tailing permit

Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs Masnellyarti defended the ministry?s decision to extend a permit for the operation of submarine tailings disposal (STD) of copper and gold mining company PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara in Batuhijau, West Nusa Tenngara (NTB).

During a hearing at the state administrative court in Jakarta on Tuesday, Masnellyarti said that the extension of the submarine tailing permit did not violate the existing regulations because it was issued after a series of studies and evaluation to support it.

She said that Newmont was allowed to use STD system to dispose its mining tailings after 10 years of studies and evaluation before the company began commercial operation.

Masnellyarti added that the extension of the permit was based on scientific studies conducted by a special team established by the ministry involving environmental experts of the government and non-government offices.

Besides conducting a series of evaluation works, the extension of the permit was issued in accordance with procedures stipulated in the existing government regulations in the preservation and protection of environment.

Masnellyarti acted as a witness at the hearing of the legal suit filed by environmental organization WALHI, which challenged the extension of the STD permit through the court.

WALHI said that the use of the STD system had severely damaged the environment in the sea.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.