Mataram-based NGO blames others as Newmont hits back

The Mataram-based non-governmental organization FPD, which recently accused copper and gold mining operator PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara's mineral waste of containing toxic substance has received a strong criticism from other NGOs for blaming the local university on its groundless accusation.

The local chapter of noted environmental group Walhi told Bali Pos that FPD should not blame others for its own mistake. The organization should instead support other environmental lovers rather than to take other as the scapegoat of its wrongdoing.

The FPD recently accused that the tailing, mineral waste, dumped by the United States-based oil giant in its undersea dumping ground in the Alas Strait off the East Lombok island of containing toxic substance. The organization's charge, however, received a strong protest from Newmont, which then charged the accusation as an insult, and asked it to prove its allegation.

The FPD could not prove its allegation, and put the blame on the university whose findings were used as the base in its accusation against Newmont's undersea dumping ground. It said that the university should not issue misleading information about the company's mineral waste. (*)