Construction of Manganese Smelter Affected by Mine Moratorium, page-38

You cannot blame the new governor or the local population for wanting to close down mining in NTT. Its been a disgrace for years, its only now that the new governor has the guts to do something about it. I'm sure most GMC holders would be appalled at the way the environment  has been treated by these mining companies.

" The company was accused of conducting open pit mining in the Nggalak Rego forest without permission from the Minister for Forestry. The district government directed the company to apply for permission to mine from the central government’s Department of Forestry in accordance with the 1999 Forestry Law (Law No.41/1999 on Forestry)."
"Kupang District Administrative Court ruled in favour of the company, in effect removing the forest’s protected status. The local government has appealed the decision but mining still continues in the forest."

"At the mine site itself, the conditions endured by workers are of equal concern. Dozens of labourers work separating the manganese from waste rocks for nine hours a day. Maria, one of the workers, starts at 7am, has an hour break for lunch at midday, and finishes work at 5pm. She squats in the heat with no shade, gathering manganese by hand for processing and is paid Rp. 27,500 per day (A$3). She must provide her own lunch and her own transport which costs Rp.15,000 per day (A$1.70). Maria works 6 days a week and is not paid if she does not work. The only health and safety equipment the company supplies are disposable gloves and mask, which are replaced only twice a month."