NHM responds
In reply to your article NGOs urge Australian firm to stop mining in Halmahera in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 24, 2003. PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals (PT NHM) is pleased to read that your article is accurate in reporting that PT NHM has all necessary approvals in place to undertake the mining activities as in the Contract of Work (COW) between the Republic of Indonesia and PT NHM agreed to in 1997. Regretfully, this is the limit of accuracy.
Jhon Dijimangele and Ikono Djambak are self-appointed leaders of a group of illegal miners masquerading as traditional landowners, conservationists or environmentalists. Both these men are known to have been among the leaders of the recent illegal miner occupation of PT NHM's gold mine between Oct. 23, 2003 up to Nov. 30, 2003.
In MinergyNews on Nov. 3, 2003, Dijimangele states that his group are mining, processing and selling gold. This group mined gold ore from PT NHM's Contract of Work and transported the ore to trommels in nearby villages where mercury is used to extract Gold from the ore. The use of mercury is known to cause damage to health and the environment when used in this manner. PT NHM and the provincial government of North Maluku are actively encouraging the removal of these trommels.
PT NHM is well supported by the local community and this was confirmed recently by Tim Pelaksana Pusat Penanggulangan Pertambangan Tanpa Izin -- Executive Team of the Center for Handling Illegal Mining (TP3 PETI) in an extensive independent review. The local community made it clear they supported PT NHM and wanted the company to continue operations. Tim TP3 made a recommendation to the provincial government and the Regional Police of Maluku for the lawful removal of Dijimangele and his group from PT NHM.
It is public information in the local community that PT NHM has been an active contributor to the community and has spent Rp 17 billion in the Community Development program, particularly in education and health.
JOHN BLAKE General Manager PT. Nusa Halmahera Minerals Jakarta