Sumbawa invites investors to develop new gold mines

Sumbawa, a part of the West Nusa Tenggara province, has invited local and foreign investors to develop new gold mines in the mineral resources-rich regency.

Latif Majid, the regent of the Sumbawa Besar regency, said that based on survey, the gold reserves are not only found in Jereweh district but also in several other locations.

"We are now inviting investors to develop gold mines especially in Lunyuk district," he was quoted as saying by Bisnis Indonesia daily on Tuesday. Besides having gold deposits larger than those operated by Newmont Nusa Tenggara in the Jereweh district, the Lunyuk district is located in more strategic location, he added.

Latif promised that the local administration would give its full support to those who are interested in developing gold mines in the regency.

At present, Newmont Nusa Tenggara is the only mining company operating in the West Nusa Tenggara province. The subsidiary of the United States-based Newmont Corporation produces copper and gold in the province. (*)