Pollution
People living near the Pomalaa site at Desa Tambea are concerned about pollution from the mine which, they say, is affecting their farming and fishing livelihoods. PT Aneka Tambang denies any pollution, blaming the problem on the practice of using explosives to catch fish ("fish-bombing") and other materials that damage the environment. The company claims that it would not have gained international respect for its environmental record if the accusations were true.
But local people insist that the mining operation is at fault. One sea cucumber farmer said his harvest had declined because of the mine. Villagers believe that 120 hectares of mangroves planted by the community ten years ago have failed because of pollution. Local people are now demanding that the company stop operations around the village and pay compensation for the damage. They have submitted these demands to the district assembly in Kolaka. (Kolaka Ekspres [no date] via Suluh Indonesia)