Lawsuit against Freeport dismissed

JAKARTA: PT Freeport Indonesia and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) have welcomed a recent decision by the U.S. District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana, to dismiss with finality a third amended lawsuit against the companies.

The lawsuit was filed by U.S. attorney Martin E. Regan, Jr. on behalf of Tom Beanal, a leader of the Amungme tribe of Irian Jaya.

"We sincerely hope that we can now begin a new chapter in our relations with the Amungmes and work together with them and with all concerned parties on the important but difficult process of managing social change and development in Irian Jaya," said Garland Robinette, FCX vice president of communications, in a statement on Thursday.

He expressed hope that the lawsuit dismissal would result in improved communications with the Amungme people.

The original lawsuit against Freeport was filed in April 1996 and was dismissed by the Federal Court on three previous occasions.

Freeport is engaged in mineral exploration and development, and mining and milling of copper, gold and silver in Irian Jaya's Timika regency.