Newmont denies reports on environmental damage in W. Nusa Tenggara

PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT) on Thursday denied allegations that its tailing system had failed causing damage to plants on Sumbawa beaches in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

PTNNT?s experts had examined Rantung beaches which allegedly had been damaged by its tailings. The team had found no evidence which support the allegations, the company said in a press release.

The condition of area beach was still like before its mining project started, the company said.

PTNNT said damages on the beach area had actually been caused by the Rantung seawaters.

?Data shows that as is usual during the beginning of every dry season in Sumbawa, waves breaking on the beaches are much larger than usual. These waves spray seawater onto plants lining the beaches, which then cause those plants to die out,? PTNNT said.

This conclusion was supported by area community members, the company said. (*)