N. Sulawesi to clarify status of traditional mining activities

The provincial administration of North Sulawesi is working on a plan to clarify the status of traditional mining activities in the province, which have been widely blamed for damaging the environment.

The head of the local mining office, B.J. Lomban, said in Manado on Tuesday that the operation of mining areas now controlled by individuals could be transferred to a mining company, which has both the money and the commitment to protect the environment, Telegraf daily reported on Wednesday.

He said that the clarification of the status of the traditional mining activities was needed not only in a bid to increase the province's revenue resources but also in protecting the environment. At present, the traditional miners, who mostly used modest equipment in their activities, have caused environmental problem.

The provincial administration will have the authority to manage their own mining resources once the autonomy law takes affect beginning next year. Under the new regulation, a larger part of the mining royalties will go to regency where the mining area is located. (*)