Batu Hijau copper-gold mine (PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara) in Sumbawa
Batu Hijau copper-gold mine (PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara) in Sumbawa has been awarded a Green PROPER rating by the State Ministry for the Environment in March. PTNNT was one of only 8 companies nationally to achieve this high rating.
"The Green rating indicates that the company has implemented pollution and/or damage control programs and has successfully exceeded the specified requirements as governed by prevailing laws and regulations," said Drs H Agus Yusuf, MSc, head of West Nusa Tenggara Environmental Impact Control Agency.
Team PROPER assessed PTNNT's performance in environmental management and in community development. The assessment was followed by site verification by visiting Batu Hijau and interviewing various people in PTNNT and in the community.
In environmental management, PTNNT is rated as having demonstrated full compliance in water pollution control, air pollution control and hazardous waste management.
In community development aspect, the team commended PTNNT's community development programs including infrastructure, economic and social development, scholarships, mobile library, donations, school bus, and the programs of Yayasan Olat Parigi, a foundation established by PTNNT to focus on community development.
"We are pleased with the result of the assessment and getting a Green rating awarding confirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and community development. The award of the green rating to PTNNT by the Indonesian State Ministry for the Environment is viewed as one of our most significant achievements. PTNNT and all of our employees are justifiably proud of this achievement, particularly since we are one of only two mining companies to receive this high rating. I am sure this award will help to promote even better environmental performance within our company," said Robert Gallagher, President Director of PTNNT.
"In addition to our obligatory environmental programs, we are also fully supporting government efforts to protect the environment of Sumbawa island. We have programs in place to protect the forest within our project area, conserve the yellow- crested cockatoos, conserve green turtles, mangrove rehabilitation, work with community in the beach clean up campaign, and coral reef rehabilitation program," said Robert Gallagher.
"We are also working with Government and NGOs in the establishment of a conservation area," Robert Gallagher added.
"This Green rating and our successful operation has only been achieved through commitment and outstanding efforts of our employees, and also government and community support," said Robert Gallagher.
Recently, PTNNT has also received a PADMA (Pandu Daya Masyarakat) award from the President RI for outstanding community development initiatives and programs; and an Upakarti Adhitama award from the Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources as the safest large mine in Indonesia.