2 Aug 2006

Indonesian group questions merits of audit into Freeport mine in Papua

3:30 pm on 2 August 2006

The Indonesian environmental group Walhi says a government audit of Freeport McMoran's mining operations in Papua is unlikely to change the environmental destruction caused by the mine.

Last month, Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister indicated a comprehensive audit would be complete by the end of July but it has yet to be released.

The five subjects of the audit are environmental impact, security, community development, production and revenue.

Freeport has been accused of not giving enough to locals in return for the mine, of polluting and being responsible for human rights abuses through the use of the military for security.

Walhi spokesman, Torry Kuswardono, has questioned how serious the government is in conducting the audit of the Timika mine's operations.

"As far as we know, the audit will end on the decision that Freeport continue and keep on destroying the environment but not how to stop the destruction of the environment and also to lever the quality of life of people in the area. seconds"

Walhi spokesman Torry Kuswardono