Walhi attacks South Sumatra gold mining firm for polluting river

The prominent independent environmental watchdog Walhi lambasted gold mining firm PT Barisan Sumatra Mining (BSM) for polluting the Tiku river in Musi Rawas regency in South Sumatra.

The province's Walhi office said in a press statement that BSM's tailing product had polluted the Tiku river and caused the death of the local fish. Walhi also said that his has caused suffering to the people living nearby the Tiku river.

Walhi also strongly criticized the local authority for its slowness in taking action to resolve the environmental destruction.

Walhi urged the provincial governor to revoke the license of mining companies whose operation had caused suffering to the people.

BSM is previously known as PT Barisan Tropical Mining which was closed down in March this year. (*)