Timah stops gold operation in Aceh

State owned tin mining firm PT Tambang Timah has temporarily stopped its gold and copper mining operation in Aceh due to security reason.

Timah president Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said that the its subsidiary PT Kutaraja Tembaga Raya had started to stop its operation in May last year.

"But now the exploration activity completely stop. The activity will be resumed if the situation is safe," he said.

Aceh has been hit by increasing violence launched by the Aceh Separatist guerillas.

Kutaraja Tembaga is a joint venture between Timah and Australia's Phelps Dodge.

The gold and copper mining firm started operation in 1997 but has yet to show any significant prospects.(*)