Ex-minister calls on KEM to do rehabilitation prior to closure

Former Minister of Environment Emil Salim called on gold mining company PT Kelian Equatorial Mining (KEM) to carry out "physical and social" rehabilitation around its gold mine in Long Iram, East Kalimantan prior to the closure of the gold mine in 2004, Antara news agency reported.

Emil said on Wednesday the company should run programs to ensure that the local people who have been deprived of their livelihood due the company's mining operation could find alternative jobs, including farming.

The company could also turn its mining pits into plantation or lakes for tourism or fishing activities, Emil said.

KEM spokesman Kasan Mulyono said the company had launched a five-year program to prepare the local people for the post-mining period.

The company had carry out an environmental-supervision program involving community and religious leaders.

As far as community development is concerned, the company focused attention on clean water provision, sanitation, health, education improvement, scholarship, foster parent programs. The company also built public facilities, including school buildings, sport stadium, church, and others.

According to Kasan, the company allocated US$8.09 million for the programs in 1999, including $2.2 million for the construction of infrastructure. (*)