Buton residents reject mining team

Buton residents reject mining team

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: A team from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources were driven out by residents when they were about to conduct a mining survey in North Buton area in Muna regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

"I just learned from the Muna Police chief that the team was driven out of the area by local residents," said Southeast Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Edhi Susilo in Kendari on Monday.

The team reportedly wanted to conduct a survey to determine North Buton's mining potential to produce asphalt. The survey would be used by investors wanting to mine in the area.

Edhi suspected the response by locals was related to rumors of a plan to make North Buton into a regency, separate from Muna.

"This may be the reason why the residents were opposed to any activity in their area by outsiders," he said. -- Antara