Local NGO urges parliament to summon Newmont

A local non-governmental organization (NGO) in Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara province, called the Sumbawa community network or Jambatang called on the local parliament to summon gold mining firm PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT) over the use of some 6.4 hectare of forest, the Bali Post daily reported.

Jambatang coordinator Syarafuddin Jarot said in a press statement to the paper that the agreement between NNT and the local forestry office over the use of the forest area was not legitimate and legally defect.

Syarafuddin did not give clear reason, but he said that the agreement was made without prior consultation with the Sumbawa community, which would feel the impact of any possible environmental damage.

He said that under the agreement, NNT borrows some 6.4 hectare of forest area in a 20-year contract, reviewed in every five years. He said that 5.4 million ha of the area was productive forest.

Syarafuddin urged the local parliament to call Newmont to clarify this issue.

Meanwhile, NNT compliance manager David Palmer said that the company had not done anything wrong or violated any ruling in its contract with the forestry office. "The agreement (to borrow the forest land) was made in accordance with the existing ruling and law at the time," he said.

He also said that NNT was open for a dialogue with the administration or the local community. He also said that NNT was ready to meet the parliament to make clarification. (*)