Official denies claims that Citra Palu Mineral has obtained Minister recommendation

Director general of geology and mineral resources Wimpy S. Tjetjep denied reports that PT Citra Palu Mineral has obtained a recommendation from Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to start a gold and copper mining operation in the 500 ha Tahura forest conservation area in Central Sulawesi.

"There has never been any recommendation to the company from the minister? It's now all up to the local government in line with the new regional autonomy policy," Wimpy told reporters.

He said that the central government had issued basic guidelines for mining activity in forest conservation area that must be followed by the regional government.

Wimpy was responding to earlier reports that Citra Palu Mineral, which is controlled by the Rio Tinto mining group, has obtained recommendation from minister of mineral resources and energy to start mining operation in the forest area.

Several non-governmental organizations have protested the plans.(R. Amoros)