Press Release: PT NMR operates in compliance with the highest standards
Tuesday, July 20 2004 - 09:45 AM WIB
Bill Long, Project Manager PTNMR unequivocally stated that ?It is not true that our operations at Buyat Bay cause health problems among the local community. PTNMR operates in full compliance to Indonesian and US environmental standards and is committed to environmental stewardship and community development. These accusations smear the good name of our people and our company. This misuse of public trust while preying on the misery of some unfortunate people to further private agendas is unconscionable. There is no excuse for these statements and we are reviewing our legal options.?
As shown by independent monitoring conducted by local and central government and PTNMR?s own monitoring programs, operations at this mine comply with or exceed environmental regulations. PTNMR operations have not caused health problems at Buyat.
As a matter of record, PTNMR does not use mercury in its operations. It is true that mercury is produced as a byproduct. This mercury is recovered and stored safely in accordance with regulations regarding hazardous materials at PTNMR?s facility. PTNMR has 100 percent accountability of this mercury. It is also true that in operations totally unrelated to PTNMR, there are traditional or illegal gold miners using mercury to process coarse gold ore. During that process the illegal miners release mercury into the local rivers where it finally reaches the Buyat Bay area. According to scientific research, the mercury released into the water catchment area by illegal miners has not, been found in the food chain.
In accordance with safe and environmentally friendly processes that follow international standards, PTNMR uses cyanide to leach gold from ore. This process includes a detoxification facility to treat tailings before they are safely disposed of at a depth of over 80 meters over one kilometer from shore. Internal and external monitoring shows that the heavy metal levels in the waters meet government sea garden quality standards.
Bill Long further stated that, ?PTNMR strongly supports government efforts to find the truth of the issue. We are confident that this will prove that our tailings have not caused any health problems at Buyat.?
PTNMR has operated the Messel gold mine at Ratatotok since 1996 and is scheduled to cease operations in October 2004 due to ore depletion. PTNMR?s mine closure plan was approved by the Government of Indonesia after a lengthy and intensive consultative process with stakeholders including the surrounding community members, the regional and the provincial governments. PTNMR is committed to a responsible mine closure and sustainable development for the local community. (end of release)
For further information, please contact:
? David Sompie, Manager External Relations - 0811-433-571
? Pretty Mamonto, Media Relations Officer ? 0812-430-0968
Tel. 021-57994611 ext 45317 and 0431-851-350 ext 45915