The government has allowed a nickel mining company to resume operations in an eastern archipelago, a minister said, despite an outcry over damage it could cause to pristine islands.
The cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world’s most pristine reefs, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot.
PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of state mining company Aneka Tambang, resumed operations on tiny Gag island in Raja Ampat archipelago on Sept 3 after a suspension was lifted, a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources official said this week.
Environmental Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said Gag Nikel has received a “green” rating from the government, which means the company has complied with environmental standards.
“We have once again reviewed all our data related to mining operations at Gag Nikel... An environmental audit was conducted to ensure that the impact caused by Gag Nikel can be properly mitigated,” he said in Bali on Sunday.
Hanif said the ministry would continue to monitor Gag Nikel.
The government revoked permits in June for four out of five mining companies operating in Raja Ampat following an outcry from activists and residents.
Gag Nikel was at first exempted but the government later suspended its operations, saying that possible environmental damage needed to be studied.
Greenpeace Indonesia said the resumption could endanger the marine ecosystem in Raja Ampat, home to 75% of the world’s known hard-coral species.
It has said nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe, and Manuran led to the destruction of more than 500ha of forest and vegetation. — AFP
