U.S. ambassador discusses Newmont case with Megawati

United States Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph Boyce discussed the case of US-operated mining company, PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR), with President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the state palace here on Monday.

"We talked about the Newmont case," Boyce said after his meeting with Megawati.

NRM, a subsidiary of the US gold mining giant Newmont Mining Corp, has reportedly contaminated the waters of Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi province, causing local people to suffer from Minamata disease.

Boyce expressed grave concern over the case, which involves a US company and US citizens.

Asked if the case would disturb US businessmen's investments to Indonesia, the envoy said it was too early to say so.

"I think Indonesia is a good place for domestic, as well as foreign investors to invest in. Thus, we will try to find the best possible solution to the Newmont case," he noted.

Meanwhile, Minister Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who accompanied Megawati during the meeting, said the case should be overcome well. (godang)