Release: Antam: Pongkor gold mine continues to run at normal level after mining accident

(Jakarta, August 1, 2007) – PT Antam Tbk announces that mining activities at Pongkor Gold Mine continue to run at normal level after a mining accident took place on July 31st 2007, at around 2:30 AM West Indonesia Time. The mine accident, which occurred at Gudang Handak vein where shrinkage stoping method was utilized, caused the death of one employee of Antam’s contractor- Mr. Suranto. Three other workers at the accident site survived the ordeal.

 

The surviving workers and the Emergency Response Group (ERG) team informed that the accident happened as the deceased worker and the other three workers were conducting drilling activities when suddenly the standing ground (broken ore) dropped and dragged the workers down unexpectedly.

 

The three surviving workers were able to find their ways to safety, however Mr. Suranto was struck by the ores. The ERG team immediately took action upon receiving the accident report and was able to evacuate the victim. One of the surviving workers suffered minor injuries. Further investigations on the cause of the accident are being conducted by the government mining inspection officer.

 

Antam’s Operation Director, Alwin Syah Loebis, states: ”We are very saddened by the accident at Pongkor and we express our deepest condolence to the family of the victim. We are committed to further improve our work safety and health practices in order to minimize the probability of mines accident. ” (end of release)