NTT gets authority to manage mineral resources

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) provincial administration has formally received the authority from the central government to manage the province?s energy and mineral resources as part of the implementation of the autonomy law in the province, Bali Pos reported on Friday.

The transfer of the authority was marked by the handover of documents containing the province?s energy and mineral resources from the ministry to NTT governor and the province?s other senior officials on Thursday.

NTT Governor Piet A. Tallo said that with the increased authority the provincial administration would be able to manage the existing mineral resources in more responsible way so that the energy and mineral resources development would not hurt the environment.

He warned that the autonomy in managing the province?s mineral resources should not be used to justify any efforts to exploit the province?s resources but should instead be used to ensure sustainable mineral development. (*)