Govt to transform ex-gold mining site into a modern gambling facility
Friday, October 27 2000 - 04:00 AM WIB
The West Kutai administration in East Kalimantan plans to transform part of the gold mining site of PT Kelian Equatorial Mining (KEM) into a modern gambling facility after the company ends its mining activity in 2004.
The local Kaltim Post daily quoted acting West Kutai Regent Rama Alexander as saying that the mining site was perfect for a gambling spot because it is located in a remote area but has a good access road.
Rama said that the plan was to transform the area into a gambling facility like in the remote Christmas Island or in Malaysia's Genting Highland area.
He said that by localizing gambling activity in a remote area, the government could limit the bad influence of gambling to the local people.
Rama said that the government and KEM, a unit of Rio Tinto mining giant, had formed a joint team to make preparation for the company's post mining period.
Rama said that the KEM mining site could also be transformed into a tourist object because there was a nice lake, and the building facility could be transformed into a hotel.
He said that the other parts could also be allocated for research work for the local universities.
He said that some part might be allowed to be used by traditional gold miners. (*)