West Wits discuss with authorities on illegal mining in Derewo gold mine

By Ruli Setiawan

ASX-listed West Wits Mining Limited announced on Thursday that during the past six weeks, company directors have been engaged in high level discussions with the ministries and departments responsible for closing the illegal mining activities in Derewo and associated security issues.

At the Derewo River gold project located in Papua province, the company remains focused on recommencing its stalled alluvial mining operations and initiating exploration.

During the past six months, these agencies have successfully closed down 50,000 illegal miners in Gunung Botak, Maluku province and other illegal mining sites in Java.

The government is supportive of West Wits continuing its investments in Papua. Discussions are on-going and the company will provide updates in due course.

Since the heavy equipment at the Derewo River alluvial project was damaged, it has been the position of the company that it will not repair the machinery until security of the site has been achieved. As part of this position it is a strict requirement of West Wits for the complete removal of the illegal mining population prior to any repairs taking place or the establishment of the initial alluvial circuit.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon