Plans to transform ex-mining site of IMK for other economic activities opposed

Experts opposed plans to transform the ex-mining site of gold mining company PT Indo Muro Kencana (IMK) in North Barito regency, Central Kalimantan province, for other economic purposes including for fishing and tourism businesses.

Deputy director of a local independent environmental watchdog called LPLH, Intan, said that based on IMK?s environmental impact assessment, the holes in the ex-mining sites in the Murung area must be completely covered up through land reclamation program, not to be transformed for other purposes.

Local lawmaker Bertho Kuling also expressed a similar opinion. ?I don?t agree with the proposal to transform the ex-mining sites into fishin and tourism center. I expect IMK to implement is land reclamation program as planned,? he was quoted by the Banjarmasin Post daily as saying Tuesday.

IMK is a wholly subsidiary of Australia?s Aurora Gold. The company is closing down its mining operation in the Murung area due to reserves depletion.(*)