Mining companies urged to use more local products

A senior government official Tuesday called on mining companies to optimize the use of products from provinces where they have operations.

?Why their food supply comes from Jakarta, whereas in fact they can get many items from locals?,? geology and mineral resources director general Wimpy S. Tjetjep told Petromindo.Com.

Wimpy said the time has come for mining companies to increase participation of local communities in their projects.

Existing regulations oblige mining companies to spare certain amounts of their income for community development projects, but Wimpy said it was not enough.

Local villagers in different parts of the country had demanded mining firms to do more for their welfare. (godang)