Local residents protest Citra Palu?s gold mine project

Residents living near the Kambuno Mountain, Central Sulawesi have opposed PT Citra Palu Mineral?s plan to develop a gold mine in the Poboya-Paneki forest area, Bisnis Indonesia reported on Saturday.

The head of the protesting residents, La Kapa, said he feared that some 3,000 people living in the area would be evicted to make away for the development of the gold mine. "The gold mine could also lead to a major landslide like those which hit Irian Jaya," he added.

He also questioned why the company, which is owned by the world?s mining giant Rio Tinto, was allowed to carry out gold mining activities within the Poboya- Paneki forest conservation area despite the government?s ban.

La Kapa also regretted the inconsistency of the local government?s reaction on the development of the gold mine in the protected forest area. "The mayor of Palu, Baso Lamakarate has even openly expressed his approval," he added.

According to a representative of the environmental group Walhi, Longgena Ginting, estimated that if the god-mining project continued, it could cause a major environmental problem.

Citra Palu Minerals is 90 percent owned by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. Another 10 percent owned by local firm PT Arlia Karyamaska. (*)