Ponorogo awaits investors to explore its gold deposits

The Ponorogo regency in East Java is waiting for investors to develop gold mines in the regency?s districts of Badegan, Slahung, Negebel and Sooko, a senior official of the local mining office said as reported by Suara Karya on Wednesday.

Seismic surveys carried out in cooperation with the Bandung-based mineral and technology center Tekmira indicates that the gold deposits found in the four locations are feasible enough for commercial purposes, the official said.

"The gold deposit found in Ponorogo reaches 12 gram per ton of stone or rocks," said the head of the regency?s office for regional development plan, Purwanto. He added that general mining company PT Antam was conducting exploration activities in Sooko district. "The gold deposit in the area is between 6 grams and 12 grams for a ton of stone or rock," he said.

The regency has invited professionals including Tekmira to carry out a seismic survey on the regency?s mineral resources. The findings have been offered to local mining companies but only PT Antam has so far carried out exploration activities. (*)