No agreement yet on mining operation at protected forests: Minister

Minister of Forestry M. Prakoso said in Jakarta on Thursday that he had made no agreement yet with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on the operation of four open-mining companies in protected forests.

"Up to now, there is no agreement yet on the operation of the four companies. The best solution is we have to wait the result of our discussion with the House of Representatives," the minister said, adding that the new forestry law clearly states that the operation of open-mining companies in protected forests is banned and if the government will allow companies to operate in the protected forests, the law should be first banned.

"It means that the operation of four mining companies violate the law," he said in a reference to a statement made by Director General of Geology and Mineral Resources Wimpy S. Tjetjep. According to Wimpy four mining companies PT Gag Nikel, PT Weda Bay, PT Citra Palu Minerals and PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals have been allowed to resume their operation in protected forests because there has been agreement with the Ministry of Forestry.

The introduction of the forestry law last year has caused controversies over the operation of companies in protected forests. At least 22 mining companies have received the government approval to operate in the protected forests along before the introduction of the new law. (*)