Illegal gold miners pollute West Kalimantan river

Illegal gold miners have caused heavy pollution to the Sungai Kapuas river in West Kalimantan, according to the Kompas daily report on Monday.

Based on observation by the paper during the weekend, hundreds of illegal miners currently encroaching the Kapuas river to find for gold. The paper said that the miners use hazardous mercury to separate gold from sand. This is deteriorating the local environment.

The paper said that the miners form small groups consisting of 4-10 people. Each day, the group obtains between 2-3 grams of gold, which is sold at between Rp 180,000 to Rp 270,000.

Sintang Regent Elyakin Simon Jalil aknowledged of the intensifying illegal mining activities, but said that the problem is now difficult to resolve not only because their number has increased to 640, but it also involves local people.(*)