Skeletons found at Pongkor mine

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)