KEM resumes production
Wednesday, June 14 2000 - 03:30 AM WIB
After 40 days of a complete shut down, East Kalimantan gold mining giant PT Kelian Equatorial Mining (KEM) has finally resumed production as of Tuesday.
"Since eight in the morning the plant has resumed operation, although it's not yet running at full capacity. It's still running at 50 percent production capacity. It will be gradually increased," said KEM public relations officer Kasan Mulyono.
KEM had to stop production after villagers blockaded the only road to the mining operation, causing the company to be unable to deliver basic supplies including fuel and lime.
The villagers made the road blockade to demand for a proper compensation over their land acquired by the company.
But on Thursday, the villagers opened the road after they were convinced by the company that it would settle the compensation demand. (*)