JAKARTA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government revoked on Tuesday the mining permits of four nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, for violating environmental regulations.
The four miners are PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, and PT Nurham, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia told a press conference.
"The first reason for the revocation is that, based on our investigation, the companies have breached the environmental regulations. The second reason is that their operating areas are within a geopark," Lahadalia said.
Raja Ampat regency has been under the spotlight in Indonesia due to allegations of a nickel mining activity, allegedly carried out by PT GAG, which is feared to damage the environment in the area. Raja Ampat is quite popular for its nature and beaches.
However, Lahadalia said that among the mining companies operating there, the contract of work for PT GAG was fine because its location was far from the geopark area and the company had a clear work plan and budget. ■
