N. Sulawesi to review Meares Soputan's dumping ground

North Sulawesi authority will review the plan of PT Maeres Soputab Mining (MSM), a subsidiary of the Australia-based Auroro Gold, to build a marine dumping ground in the province, Tempo Interaktif reported on Thursday.

The local government's spokesman David A. Bobihoe said in Manado on Wednesday that the pan to build the marine dumping ground would be reviewed although the company had received a permit from the government to carry out the plan.

"The use of marine dumping ground has been banned. According to the office of the State Minister for Environmental Affairs, the mineral waste should no longer be dumped into the sea," he said.

He said that the local government and MSM representatives would soon meet to discuss the best alternative for the company.

David said that the local government would also hold a public debate on the company's dumping site to raise inputs from the people on how to find a better way for the company to continue its mining operation. All interested parties including non-governmental organizations would be involved in the debate.

He said that the interest of the people should be protected but any measure imposed by the local government should not discourage foreign investments. According to him, the presence of mining companies is essential to support the local economy. (*)