Jakarta, May 23, 2013 – PT ANTAM (Persero) Tbk (ASX – ATM, IDX – ANTM; ANTAM) extends its regrets and condolences over the unfortunate accident occurred in one of the tunnels operated by illegal miners near the area of the level 700 Ciurug gold vein at ANTAM's Gold Mining Business Unit in Nanggul Village, Nanggung District, Bogor Regency, West Java. The accident resulting in the death of one illegal miner and injured five illegal miners. ANTAM's Emergency Response Group (ERG) team, together with the Nanggung police personnel and local community managed to evacuate all victims.
The accident occurred in one of the tunnels operated by illegal miners near the level 700 Ciurug gold vein which is no longer in operations and is used as ventilation tunnel. The 60 cm-wide illegal miners tunnel is located 25 meters below the surface. The tunnel collapsed as there were no tunnel reinforcements.
ANTAM has been improving its strategy to reduce illegal mining activities, the bulk of which are performed in the national park neighboring the Pongkor gold mine. The strategy includes proactive community development and social responsibility programs, including improvement of local economies, as well as increased communities approach with the support of local government officials, key community leaders and law enforcement personnel.
None of ANTAM's facilities were damaged by the accident. ANTAM's gold mining and smelter continue to operate normally.
ANTAM will continue to improve its efforts to prevent similar accidents to occur in the future through improvement of security measures in the areas surrounding the Gold Mining Business Unit. ANTAM also continues to warn local communities about the dangers of illegal mining.
