Three mining companies explore minerals in Central Halmahera

Three mining companies including PT Aneka Tambang, PT Halmahera Utama Mining and PT Cakra Nusa Halmahera have begun their exploration activities in Central Halmahera regency in North Maluku. Bisnis Indonesia reported Saturday.

Kirstofan Musmar, the head of the regency's mining office, said in Ternate Friday that Aneka Tambang was exploring nickel in Patani Gebe district, while Halmahera Utama Mining was hunting for bauxite in Ayati.

"Cakra Nusa Halmahera are exploring chromite ores in Pulau Gebe and in Weda districts," he was quoted as saying. He added that the three companies had promised to build their mining facilities if the exploration activities showed good results.

He said that the local government fully supported their operation and would ease any procedures needed by the mining companies to get licenses and other business permits as well as to help develop infrastructure to support their activities. (*)