Inco asked to go ahead with Bahudopi mining project

The provincial administration of Southeast Sulawesi has urged PT Inco to commence the nickel-mining project in Bahudopi, Morowali regency following the agreement of state owned general mining company PT Aneka Tambang to cooperate in exploration activities.

Southeast Sulawesi governor Aminuddin Ponolele said that the local authority would discuss this month with the Inco management about the development of Inco?s mining concession in the Morowali regency. He said that the area has been allocated for Inco?s mining activities since 1960 but no realization has so far been made.

"Inco should have commenced the mining project to help improve the local economy. If the area is not developed, the local authority will suffer a loss," he added.

The governor said that he would also discuss the relocation of the residents to pave the way for the development of the Bahudopi mining project. "The removal of about 7,000 families from the area has been discussed but no agreement has been made," he added. (*)