Govt to appeal Newmont verdict

The government plans to appeal a court verdict that acquitted a US executive and his company, Newmont Mining Corp., of pollution charges in a high profile trial in Manado, North Sulawesi. The Jakarta Post reported.

 

The verdict was also criticized by environmentalists who hoped the Manado district Court would deliver a guilty verdict in the 21-month trial to show the government’s serious commitment to protecting the country’s environment from polluters.

 

Director general for, mineral resources Simon Sembiring welcomed the verdict in Jakarta quoted by Reuters as saying it was positive for the mining investment climate, while the U.S Embassy in Jakarta said it was “Pleased” with the court decision.

 

After the Tuesday trial prosecutor Purwanta Sudarmadji said his Office planned to contest the result.

 

“We are not satisfied with the verdict he said, adding that his office would file the appeal within 14 days. (*)