Jakarta, December 21st, 2010 - PT ANTAM (Persero) Tbk (ANTAM; ASXATM; IDX-ANTM) announces that on Tuesday, December 21st, 2010, it has closed iron sands mine operations at Cilacap, Central Java. The closure reflects ANTAM’s good mining practices in relation to mine management. ANTAM’s Board of Directors, Board of Commissioners, Vice Regent of Cilacap and the Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources were present during the event.
ANTAM's President Director Alwin Syah Lubis, said:
"ANTAM is committed to deliver maximum benefits from the start of our mining operations until the mine closure and post-mining activity to our stakeholders. Our mine closure and post-mining activity at Cilacap reflects our professionalism and responsibility in the implementation of good corporate governance principles and good mining practices. The closure is part of our efforts on corporate sustainability as well as the sustainability of community development and environmental preservation."
Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bambang Setiawan said:
“ANTAM’s reclamation program on former iron sands mine site at Cilacap will contribute positively to the surrounding communities. ANTAM’s good mining practice at Cilacap is an exemplary practice for other mining companies.”
Reclamation on former iron sands mine site at Cilacap, using Terminalia Catappa
he mine of Cilacap commenced operation in 1970 with President Soeharto inaugurated its operations on June 10, 1971. At the beginning, annual production of 300,000 tons were exported to Japan. Since 1978 ANTAM sold its iron sands to local cement factories.
ANTAM ceased mining operation activity in Cilacap in 2003 as the reserves became fully depleted. As ANTAM ceased mining activity in 2003, ANTAM began the mine closure activity in accordance to the Mine Closure Plan (MCP). The plan details programs in labor management, asset management, environmental monitoring, reclamation and revegetation, as well as community development programs in education, religious, health and public infrastructures.
The local government of Cilacap endorsed MCP programs in early 2010. As well, the MCP was audited by the Center of Environmental Research of University of Diponegoro in 2009. The university serves as an independent institution to audit ANTAM’s MCP at Cilacap.
Following Cilacap mine closure program, ANTAM began postmining activity by focusing on environmental rehabilitation and development of local economy through implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. ANTAM rehabilitated 422.8 hectares as part of its environmental management work at Cilacap.
Rice field on former iron sands mine site at Cilacap
ANTAM also assisted the development of rice and horticultural farming of watermelon, string beans, chili pepper, cassava, eggplant, soybean and groundnut at Cilacap.
ANTAM contributed capital loan assistance of Rp1.2 billion through the Partnership Program from 2005 to 2009. Through this program, ANTAM assisted 48 partners. ANTAM also spent Rp1.5 billion on community development programs.
}} "Reclamation on former iron sands mine site at Cilacap, using Terminalia Catappa")