Nabiel opposes Purnomo?s proposal over mining in protected forest

Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim opposed calls from Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro for a revision of the controversial Law No. 41/1999, which bans open pit mining in protected forest area, the Koran Tempo daily said Thursday.

The paper quoted Nabil as saying that his office would not tolerate any plans to change the protected forest area into other use, adding that the size of the country?s protected forest area was already too small.

Purnomo earlier called for a revision of the law, saying that it could create negative impact to the country?s economically crucial mining sector.

He pointed out that there were some 99 mining contracts signed before Law No.41 was enacted. He said that the mining companies could not start their activities because of the law.(*)