Skeletons found at Pongkor mine

BOGOR (JP): Dozens of skeletons believed to be of illegal gold miners were found buried at Pongkor gold mine recently by miners from state-owned general mining company PT Aneka Tambang, a company official said on Wednesday.

Head of the company's general affairs division Prayitno said most of the skeletons were found buried in the Curug block, renowned for containing considerable gold deposits.

The site draws many illegal miners, including locals and outsiders who search for gold despite lacking skills and proper tools.

"The bodies were accidentally found when authorized workers of PT Aneka Tambang dug at the site," Prayitno said.

The company's miners said they were not surprised by the discovery of the skeletons because it was a common occurrence for them.

They reported finding bodies of illegal miners at the site whenever a landslide happened.

They also said that other illegal miners continued to mine despite the presence of their friends trapped in the mud.

The illegal miners could not attempt to save their trapped associates due to the fear of being caught by Aneka Tambang security guards. (21/ylt)