Indonesian nickel mine reopened despite environmental outcry

The Indonesian government has allowed a nickel mining company to resume operations in an eastern archipelago, a minister said on Sunday, despite outcry over damage it could cause to the pristine islands.

The cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world’s most pristine reefs, while its clear blue waters make it a popular diving spot.

PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of state mining company Aneka Tambang, resumed operations on the tiny Gag Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago on September 3, after a suspension was lifted, a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources official told reporters this week.

Environmental Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said Gag Nikel received a “green” rating from the government, which means the company has complied with environmental standards assessed annually by the ministry.

“We have once again reviewed all our data related to mining operations at Gag Nikel ... An environmental audit was conducted to ensure that the impact caused by Gag Nikel can be properly mitigated,” he told reporters in Bali on Sunday.

Hanif said the ministry would continue to monitor Gag Nikel and supervise its operations.