Purnomo supports Meares Soputan to start operation

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro has urged the Ministry of Environment to issue a license of the Environmental Impact Study (Amdal) for gold mining company PT Meares Soputan Mining (MSM).

Purnomo expressed the fear that unless the Ministry of Environment issued the permit, MSM might take the case to an international arbitrary. "I have reminded the Minister of Environment about this," said Purnomo at the House of Representatives in Jakarta Monday.

MSM plans to start production in October 2007, with production capacity of 162,000 ounces of gold per year.

According Purnomo, the government and MSM have signed a working contract on the Toka Tindung gold project and the company is now waiting for the permit of the Amdal in order to start mining activities. "The contract that has been signed should be honored. If it is cancelled, then it might trigger a suit at an international arbitrary," Purnomo asserted.

North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang has firmly rejected the presence of MSM mining company. "North Sulawesi is only open to an investment that is friendly to environment and community," said Sarundajang in February. (*)