Q.What was the mine's impact on human health?

A. Three agencies have determined there are no harmful health impacts in various communities around Buyat Bay:  The Indonesian Ministry of Health; The International Seminar on Mining, Environment and Sustainable Development; and the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with Japan’s Institute for Minamata Disease.  In fact, there is NO scientific evidence showing environment pollution has occurred.  PTNMR throughout its operations has always compiled with existing regulations always committed itself to protect the environment and the local communities.  Click to see the full reports.



Q. Are the fish safe to eat?

A. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Japan’s Institute for Minamata Disease found fish in Buyat Bay within normal levels for mercury.  In addition, WHO tests found that ALL metals tested, including arsenic, were found at normal levels. The levels of metals in fish such as groupers, sharks and snappers shows no difference in comparison to before mining operations began. Click to read the full reports.



Q. How did the mine impact the water and sediment?

A. Independent studies have clearly shown the mine did not pollute the sea water and marine biota and did not cause health problems for the people of the area.  The records  show Newmont complied with all environmental protection standards. Simply put, since there was no pollution, there was no harm to the environment or to the people. Click to read studies on water, marine life, and local health.



Q. What is Submarine Tailings Placement (STP)?

A.Tailings are the sand and mud left over after the gold is separated from the rock in the processing plant. The tailings are detoxified before they are deposited in the ocean.  The tailings are placed by pipeline 1,020 meters from shore in water that is 82 meters deep. Because of their density, the tailings remain on the sea bottom as they flow out of the pipeline. The tailings are carefully monitored so that the levels of mercury, arsenic and cyanide meet Indonesian and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for discharge.



Q. Is STP legal elsewhere, including the USA?

A. Marine disposal of mining waste has been permitted at different mine sites around the world. Few countries directly address sea tailings disposal.  Because little mining is conducted in the coastal regions of the USA, the method is currently not in use. However, it was used in Canada. Click to read about STP in Prince Edward’s Island, Canada.



Q. Why did the company use STP in Indonesia?

A. Newmont proposed either land or submarine placement in the permitting phase of the mine.   The Indonesian government chose STP.  Because of the density of the tailings and there placement 82 meters deep, the tailings remain on the sea bottom in a detoxified form.



Q. Did PTNMR have premits?

A.Yes, required permits were secured from the Indonesian government.  Furthermore, all required environmental monitoring was performed to the satisfaction of the government. Click to see permits.



Q.What is PTNMR's Closure Plan?

A. As planned and approved by the Indonesian Department of Energy & Mineral Resources, PTNMR stopped producing ore  at its Minahasa Raya mine on August 31, 2004.  This was folowed by five weeks of intense environmental mitigation at the site. The mine opened in 1996 and produced 1.9 million ounces of gold and paid royalties and taxes of just over $104 million (U.S.)  Click to read the mine Closure Plan.