Programs

Since the Minahasa mine opened in 1996, Newmont (PT NMR) has implemented extensive community development programs focusing on sustainable development with emphasis on health, infrastructure, education and small business development. The programs cover 17 villages in three sub-districts (kecamatan) with a total population of 12,000 people. PT NMR has spent approximately US$330,000 annually on community development. Ongoing programs after mine closure are being funded through an endowment at the Minahasa Raya Foundation. This independent foundation is managed by the local government and people.

For more information regarding the different community programs Newmont has established please click below:

Education
Infrastructure
Local Business Development
Community Social Improvement Projects
Enviromental Awareness and Conservation
Minahasa Raya Foundation

Education

Education projects include upgrading teacher competencies and providing more than 2,000 scholarships for students. PT NMR offers 2 types of scholarships to senior high school and university, first for low income families and second for high achievement. PT NMR built six kindergartens, an elementary school and a high school, and renovated 10 other schools. Supplies including computers were delivered, and a school bus service started for Buyat Pantai students.

Sample of Education Development Projects:

• Built a new kindergarten
• Public elementary school renovation "SD INPRES"
• Piling up area, toilets and renovation work for "SD Madrasah" / Islamic school
• Timber Bridge and road improvement for Borgo Kindergarten
• Removing ex-radio room building and using it for school complex
• Built 2 classrooms SMP Muhammadiyah

Infrastructure

Infrastructure projects focus on development and maintenance of economic and social supporting infrastructure and critical facilities such as fresh water supply, roads, bridges, markets, sporting facilities, community facilities, and government buildings. For example, a provincial road was built to link Kotabunan, Ratatotok, and Belang. Streets were built in 12 villages and bridges erected in four villages. A flood prevention structure was erected, and two other projects created conditions designed to minimize harm from natural disasters. A village market and bus terminal were built along with village administration and parliament (BPD) buildings.

• Sample of Infrastructure Development Projects:
• Bridge construction
• Road improvement
• Construction of police barracks
• Concrete fence for Lakban Bridge
• Upgrading village road for 5km
• Renovation of an irrigation dam, channel
• Built a bridge
• Installed water pipe & repair water dam
• Building "BPD" office / village parliament
• Built sub-district government office complex
• River flood control
• Dismantled 2-unit building ex-training office for Minahasa Selatan Government
• Renovation / extend building, floor, zinc roof for police office

Local Business Development

Local business development projects included support for:

• Technical assistance to local businesses wanting to become PT NMR contractors or suppliers. (A total of 44 local businesses became authorized contractors and suppliers.)
• Agricultural aid including training, irrigation management, livestock and fishery development. Technology and assistance to coconut farmers for the production of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO).
• Micro finance credit for local businesses and for wives of fishermen. Providing credits for hand tractors to farmers.
• Training on the making and use of organic fertilizer/compost for rice cultivation.
• Helping palm sugar farmers to expand their markets through the provision of capital and technical assistance.
• Assisting local fishermen with marketing and improved preservation techniques to add value to their products.

Community Social Improvement Projects

• Constructed three soccer fields and two small stadiums.
• Funded traditional music and dance troupe.
• Constructed community beach facilities on Lakban and Buyat Beaches which are now considered a popular local tourist destination.
• Construction of village assembly hall
• Construction of soccer field foundation
• Built volleyball field, BBQ, public toilet 6 units
• Built Mushollah and install fence
• Renovated the Puskesmas health clinic
• Installed public toilets
• Fence "Narato" soccer field, renovate stand

Environmental Awareness and Conservation

PT NMR placed 3,000 reef balls into Buyat Bay to help generate coral reefs in the area. It supports local marine and coastal conservation programs, notably one for establishment of a mangrove area which was set up and continues to be monitored by local people. Newmont developed a demonstration plant to teach local traditional miners how to conduct mercury-free gold processing.

Minahasa Raya Foundation

Minahasa Raya Foundation was established with the local government to provide a vehicle for long term and sustainable community development programs after mine closure. PT NMR allocated US$1.5 million in 2000 as an endowment fund for the Foundation. The Foundation will sponsor programs in cooperation with the Government of Minahasa.