Donggala eyes gold, activists object

Donggala eyes gold, activists object

DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi: A senior official has said the
Donggala administration will soon cooperate with several
universities in Central Sulawesi to find out whether gold
deposits exist in Malei subdistrict.

Donggala mining and energy office head Tawakkal Muhammadong
said on Tuesday, a survey would be conducted as he had obtained
preliminary evidence recently that traces of gold had been
discovered in soil, in some parts of the subdistrict.

However, the planned survey soon drew protests from
environmental activists in the province. Nasution Camang,
director of the White and Red Foundation, said he would organize
mass protests if the administration proceeded with its plan to
commence gold mining in the subdistrict. -- JP