Minister Sudirman Throws Weight behind Freeport
11 October 2015 16:22 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Sudirman Said has different perspective from Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli over Freeport’s mining operation. Sudirman viewed that Freeport did not use mercury and produced harmful waste.
“As far as I know from the technical team, Freeport only produce concentrate based on physical process,” Sudirman told Tempo on Saturday, October 10, 2015.
Sudirman dismissed an allegation saying that the US-based giant mining company did not provide economic benefits for Indonesia and people in Papua. According to Sudirman, Freeport’s projects have had positive impacts on Indonesia’s economic growth, particularly in Papua.
Sudirman revealed that Freeport had allocated at least US$18 million for vendors, contractors and national service providers, including state-owned enterprises and private businesses.
Earlier, Rizal alleged that Freeport had used mercury in its mining operations. According to Rizal, Freeport had taken advantages from relaxed regulations and supervision in Indonesia. Rizal also alleged PT Freeport Indonesia as one of three gold and copper mining companies causing poverty among people living near mines.
YOHANES PASKALIS