Aussie firms eye Aceh's gold

JAKARTA (JP): Two Australian firms will start exploring gold deposits at Gunung Miwah in the district of Geumpang, Aceh province.

Chief of the Aceh office of the Ministry of Mines and Energy Soleh Wirasuganda told newsmen in Banda Aceh yesterday that the exploration works will begin within the next two months.

He said that the companies, PT High Land Gold and PT Beutah Ltd., have been licensed to manage concessions of 348,836 hectares in Pidie area, about 130 kilometers from Banda Aceh.

According to Soleh, the companies which will employ 2,000 workers, are constructing a 20-kilometer access road to the concession area.(icn)