NGO protest gold exploration plan in South Kalimantan

The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) and councilors voiced protests against PT Meratus Sumber Mas and PT Pelsart Tambang Kencana's plans of continuing their gold exploration in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan.

"South Kalimantan does not have enough land any more for new mining operations. Thus, Walhi is strongly opposed to the presence of the both companies," Husin Naparin, mining deputy of Walhi office in South Kalimantan, was quoted by Central Kalimantan-based daily Kapos Friday.

Husin voiced worries the gold operation by both companies would damage the province's environment.

According to the paper, both companies are units of Pelsart Resources NL Group. They planned to resume exploration in partnership with Canadian mining firm Placer Dome.

A member of the Kotabaru council, Iceng Awal, told the paper the regency's council had yet to be informed about the company's exploration plan.

The council invited the companies on April 29 to a meeting but thus far the companies had yet to answer the invitation letter.

"And suddenly, the council, local resident and regent were informed that the companies had received permission from the provincial authorities," he said.

Governor assistant for administrative and developmental affairs Syarifuddin however noted that the provincial authorities had yet to approve the exploration plan, according to South Kalimantan-based daily Banjarmasin Post

He said the provincial authorities would carefully the loss and benefits of the mining operation before issuing the approval of the exploration plan.

He said the future gold mining operation would be able to increase the province's earnings but it was likely to cause environmental damage.

He said both companies had started exploration several years ago but the suspended their activities following the economic crisis. (*)