TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The environmental damage done by the type C mining activity in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has reached more than 200 hectares. This was reported by the National Defense Agency (Lemhanas) who is conducting research on the effects of the mining.
"Around 200 to 255 hectares of land have been damaged by the type C activity (sand and rocks)," said the Head of NTB Public Works Agency, Dwi Sugiyanto, in a meeting with Lemhanas in Mataram yesterday.
The Lemhanas team consists of eight people, which is coordinated by Inspector General Boy Salamuddin, former Head of Police International Relations.
The meeting was led by the Governor of NTB and attended by Brigadier Gen. Pol. Moechgiyarto, Commander of Military Unit 162 Wira Bhakti Colonel Kuat Budiman, CSR General Manager of PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT) Rahmat Makassau, and the Regent of West Sumbawa KH Zulkifli Muhadli.
Dwi said that the effects of the excavation must be dealt with together. He also said the mining in the area produces four tons per annum, excluding the gold mine of PTNNT.
"If we let it be, it will ruin the environment even further," he said. Dwi also said the mining of coral rocks which has went on for years in NTB is also a potential threat.
ANTARA | ANWAR MAGA