Govt told to continuously monitor concentrate shipment by PT NNT

The central government and the West Nusa Tenggara provincial administration should continuously monitor the shipping of mineral concentrates by PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PT NNT) to ensure that the company pays the right amount of royalties, according to legislator Izul Islam.

Izul of the House of Representatives' Commission VIII said that by monitoring the concentrate level in the minerals produced by Newmont, the government would be able to judge the amount of gold, silver and copper produced by the company and the exact amount of royalties the company has to pay.

"With continuous supervision and monitoring, it will prevent possible future problems arising from differences in the calculation of royalties that must be received by the central government and local administration," said Izul of the United Development Party faction.

He suggested that the government and also local administration used independent surveyor company such as PT Sucofindo to continuously monitor the concentrate level in Newmont's minerals.

Izul promised to take the surveying matter to a next hearing with the minister of energy and mineral resources.

The West Nusa Tenggara People and Workers Actions Unit questions the validity of arbitrary concentrate reports by Newmont to the government. The action unit noted that initially, Newmont claimed to be mining for gold, but later the company claimed that it produced copper.

At the same time, Newmont held a meeting with local figures, and after the meeting, they issued a statement that they rejected and would not tolerate the existence of the action unit.

Izul Islam said that he would accept all inputs from West Nusa Tenggara people.

"I will take up all inputs. If the West Sumbawa People Solidarity Forum does not accept the existence of certain grouping, it's their right. But it will eventually inflict losses to the company's interest," he said. (*)