Gulf obtains strong government support for Kupang Smelting Hub

By Romel S. Gurky

ASX-listed Gulf Manganese Corporation Limited said Tuesday it has received strong support from all required regulatory parties involved in the approval granting process for the company?s flagship Kupang Smelting Hub Project in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, following recent meetings with local governments and relevant ministries.

?It was noted that the company had done more than the law requires in establishing grass roots approval from the community and the representatives of the company which should pave the way for operations to commence smoothly,? Gulf said in a statement.

Having already received the granting of a Principle License for foreign investment from the Indonesian Investment Coordination Board (BKPM), the support of the Governor and the provincial government is considered an integral step towards finalizing the approval process, it said.

?Gulf has been advised that it will receive all relevant permitting approvals on or around July 26,? the company said.

Gulf?s Managing Director, Hamish Bohannan, commented: ?With the approvals process nearing completion, management is now firmly focused on finalizing preparatory activities prior to the commencement of site works in the near-term. We look forward to providing our shareholders with additional updates in due course.?

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak