Thousands stage protest over PT Fathi gold mining in Sumba

Thousands of people from six villages in Matawai Lapao sub-district, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT) staged protests again on Thursday (Aug 4), demanding PT Fathi Resources to close its mining operation in the area.

The demonstration turned chaotic, after a number of workers of Fathi Resources, whose numbers are less than the protesters, tried to dispel the protesters.

The local people accused the company to have conducted gold mining within the National Park Laiwanggi Wanggameti, hence damaging the environment. Therefore, they called on the East Nusa Tenggara governor to immediately close the mining operation.

The local people threatened to stage demonstration again if the government and the company declined to close the mining operation.

The company secured mining business license (IUP) from NTT Governor, Frans Lebu Raya and local Regency government in 2009 to conduct gold mining on 10,000 hectares of land. Fathi Resources is 80% owned by Australia?s mining firm Hillgrove Resources Ltd. (*)