'IMK causes environmental damage'

'IMK causes environmental damage'

PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Mining firm PT Indo Moro
Kencana (IMK) should pay compensation to the local administration
for the environmental damage it had caused, the Indonesian Forum
for Environment (Walhi) demanded Tuesday.

"PT IMK cannot leave the environmental damage caused by its
mining activities in North Barito regency. It must pay
compensation to restore it," Walhi's Central Kalimantan branch
director Nordin said.

He said the existence of IMK has resulted in various
environmental problems, including conflicts with local tribes.

The damage also include the loss of areas belonging to
traditional miners, destruction of local ancient places and
tribal lands belonging to the Dayaks, he added.

The joint venture company, owned by the Auroro Gold Australia,
is also accused of polluting rivers and destroying biological
diversity. --Antara