Press Release: Newmont denies allegations of health problems caused by tailings
Thursday, August 5 2004 - 10:27 AM WIB
?We need to reiterate that tailings from PTNNT operations are non-hazardous and non-toxic. The main contents of tailings are no different from sediment in rivers, sand on the beach, or the rocks in the southern part of Sumbawa island,? said Robert Humberson, Senior Manager External Relations PTNNT.
?Regular marine ecology monitoring by PTNNT indicates that sea water quality and heavy metal content in fish tissue meet the prevailing standards,? added Robert Humberson.
The population of plankton, coral reefs, and coral fish in the Southern waters of Sumbawa remains the same as before the tailings were placed in the deep sea. The level of metal in the tissue of fish such as groupers, sharks and snappers shows no difference in comparation to the levels before the mining operations started. ?As there is no contamination to the water or marine organisms, there is no contamination to human beings. Above all, it is untrue that the tailings have caused health problems among the people,? he said. Robert Humberson also hopes that the people of East Lombok who are suffering from illness can be treated by physicians immediately and properly.
Study by Independent Team & LIPI
The results of the routine monitoring are confirmed by the Independent Team for the Monitoring of PTNNT?s Potential Impacts. The study that the team conducted from the middle to the end of 2003 has concluded that there is no indication of heavy metal contamination in the southern waters of Sumbawa island.
Additionally, in 2003, a team from LIPI (National Institute of Sciences) in Jakarta carried out a toxicity test of PTNNT suspended tailings using juvenile snappers, groupers and plankton. The results of the analysis show that the tailings are non-hazardous to marine biota, even with 100 percent tailings slurry (no dilution). The same is true with plankton, as they show steady growth.
In addition, based on the monitoring of tailing dispersal by LIPI in 2003 it was confirmed the tailings is generally confined to Senunu Canyon and are depositing according to the predictions made in the Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) The deposition area is 3000 to 4000 meters deep and to the South of Sumbawa and no where near Tanjung Luar in Lombok, which is located more than 35 km from the tailing discharge area. The monitoring also verifies that the tailings are not rising to biologically productive surface waters and are not depositing in any near-shore coastal environments.
?In its operations, PTNNT is always committed to complying with environmental protection standards applicable in Indonesia, and to conduct community development programs in areas around the mine,? said Robert Humberson.
PTNNT?s commitment to community development has been revealed through a large number of projects such as irrigation programs, health programs, and business and education development. ?PTNNT?s community development performance and initiatives have won a Padma national community development award for having successfully increased the welfare of the people. The programs have also provided the basis for the people to further boost their welfare,? he added. The majority of villages around the mine now enjoy education, clean water, health and irrigation facilities, as well as better jobs and business opportunities through programs in partnership with the people and the government.(end of release)
For further information, please contact:
Kasan Mulyono
Manager Public Relations
Tel (370) 636318 extension # 46468
Mobile 081-757-49482
Fax (370) 636318 extension # 46317
Email: kasan.mulyono@newmont.com