Local govt recommends suspension of Lemongan geothermal project

The local Lumajang regency administration in East Java has called for temporary suspension of exploration activities at the Mount Lemongan geothermal project in the regency carried out by PT Hitay Rawas Energy amid lack of proper awareness among the people about the project.

Regent Asat Malik was quoted as saying that the temporary suspension was needed to help avoid conflict with the local people.

Meanwhile, a local NGO called ?Laskar Hijau? (Green Army) has also protested the geothermal exploration project as the use of what it calls hydraulic fracturing technology would cause negative effect to the local environment.

Mount Lemongan is estimated to have huge geothermal potential of 295 Mwe, with concession covering an area of 102,400 hectares. (*)