The plan for gold exploitation also runs counter to the district's spatial layout and social conditions wherein the vast majority of locals have expressed their rejection to the plan since the company conducted the exploration activity, Arifin noted on Thursday
"A problem has exists since the start, which in my opinion, remains unsolved during the exploration stage. However, the exploitation permit was then issued. I fail to understand it," the district head pointed out.
Arifin made the remarks in response to the issuance of a mining permit to PT Sumber Mineral Nusantara to conduct gold exploitation in the district.
According to the One Data Indonesia (MODI) mineral and coal website at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the exploitation permit will be valid for a decade, starting from June 24, 2019, to June 24, 2029, with the mining concession spanning an area of 12,813 hectares.
According to the mining permit, the mining concession is found in the nine sub-districts of Watulimo, Kampak, Munjungan, Dongko, Gandusari, Karangan, Suruh, Pule, and Trenggalek.
Although Arifin and then Trenggalek district head Emil Dardak had initially supported the company's plan to assess and explore potential gold deposits, he believes that prolonged massive exploitation would conflict with several regulations.
The regulations comprise the environmental conservation regulation, protected forest regulation, and spatial layout regulation. Gold exploitation will also disturb social order around the designated mining concession areas owing to them sharing borders with residential areas.
Close
EDITED BY INE
