MEMR tells Mikgro to relocate iron ore mine in N. Sulawesi

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has asked PT Mikgro Metal Perdana to relocate its iron ore mine on Bangka Island, Minahasa Utara, North Sulawesi Province, as mine operation in the current location has caused environmental damage, Koran Tempo reported on Monday.

The paper quoted Director General of Mineral and Coal Bambang Gatot Ariyono as saying that this was decided during a meeting with North Sulawesi provincial administration early this month.

Mikgro, which is a joint venture between PT Allindo Indonesia and China?s Aempire Resource Ltd, holds an IUP mining operation production business permit for a 2,000 hectares concession.

The Supreme Court canceled last month the permit of Mikgro following protest from environmental activists. The paper said that reclamation activity held by the company has undermined the local water environment. In addition with the fact that the company has yet to obtain the necessary permits from the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, and the Ministry of Fishery and Maritime Affairs, Mikgro has failed to proceed with mining operation.

Meanwhile, President Commissioner of Mikgro, Yang Xiaokang, rejected the plan to relocate the mine to another area as the company has set up infrastructure facilities in the area. (*)