BHP clarifies<\/p>\n
In order to avoid misinterpretation of BHP activities, I must
\ncorrect several inaccuracies in the article Compensation demand
\nin The Jakarta Post on Sept. 29.<\/p>\n
Firstly, BHP is not a U.S.-based nickel mining company but a
\ndiversified minerals and petroleum resources company with
\nheadquarters in Australia. Also, BHP is not currently a
\nparticipant in the nickel mining industry but is currently
\nevaluating a number of nickel deposits in several countries,
\nincluding that of the Gag island deposit in Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
It should be stressed that BHP's activities in respect of the
\nGag Island Project are still only in the exploration phase, and a
\ndecision as to whether mining will be feasible will not be
\npossible for a number of years. The Gag Island Project is being
\nconducted under a 7th Generation COW issued in February 1998 to
\nBHP and to Aneka Tambang, which has a 25 percent interest. BHP
\nhas responsibility for managing the project.<\/p>\n
We are currently consulting with local community leaders and
\ngovernment on a range of issues, covering both land usage and
\nalso community affairs. There is a standard procedure within the
\ncompany to take such an open and co-operative approach.
\nFurthermore we already have a number of community activities in
\ntrain, working with the inhabitants on the island.<\/p>\n
We are also co-operating with all parties to reach mutual
\nunderstanding about: the correct status of current landholders,
\nland claims resolution and the issue of compensation payments, in
\nline with normal procedures for the companies who commence mining
\noperations. The company and the inhabitants have recently stepped
\nup their level of dialogue on all of these matters. Under the
\ndirection of the Bupati (Regent) office, a formal consultative
\nforum has recently been set up, which should prove constructive
\nand beneficial for all parties concerned.<\/p>\n
Please do not hesitate to reconfirm all information concerning
\nthe progress of the Gag Island Project with the BHP office in
\nIndonesia, so that reports about BHP projects in Indonesia can
\nbe published accurately. It is our commitment to bring benefits
\nto all communities where we work, and to support accurate press
\ncoverage of our activities.<\/p>\n
HARRIET RICHARDS<\/p>\n
President Director<\/p>\n
BHP Indonesia<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bhp-clarifies-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }