Denpasar (ANTARA) - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted that the government had obliged PT Gag Nikel to comply with strict provisions to ensure its activities cause no harm to the environment in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.
"The first and most crucial requirement is for the company to strengthen its settling ponds so that surface runoff does not directly flow into rivers or other bodies of water," he told the press in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday.
He underlined that it is imperative for PT Gag Nikel, which resumed operations on September 3 after months of suspension, to build additional settling basins to protect natural water areas from contaminated rainwater.
"This measure is essential to ensure that runoff from mining sites does not cause sedimentation and turbidity," Nurofiq explained.
He added that the government had also required the company to intensify efforts to control emissions it generates.
"We have made it obligatory for the company to establish an air quality monitoring station to make sure emissions remain under control," the minister stated.
Regarding operational boundaries, he noted that the authority to set them lies with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
"We have also reminded the ESDM Ministry that this (Gag) is a small yet rich island. Our ministry’s responsibility is to push for optimal mitigation efforts against potential environmental damage from mining," he elaborated.
A subsidiary of state mining firm PT Antam, PT Gag Nikel was among the companies facing public backlash last June over concerns that mining activities were degrading the environment in Raja Ampat, a region renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
In response, the government revoked four mining business permits (IUPs) belonging to PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Melia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawai Sejahtera. Meanwhile, PT Gag Nikel had its operations suspended pending review and audit.
Addressing public concerns over Gag Nikel’s resumption, Nurofiq highlighted that the company had received a green rating under the Company Performance Assessment Program (PROPER).
However, he assured the public that the government would not hesitate to take stern action if the company deviates from environmental regulations
