Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Indonesia Sues US Mining Company For Alleged Pollution
------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1DD5E:2AB91D3

Newmont Mining Corporation admits releasing mercury into environment,
denies that it sickened local people





Newmount mine - Sulawesi, Indonesia The Indonesian government has sued
Newmont Mining Corporation for $133 million over alleged pollution
near one of its gold mines.

The Indonesian subsidiary of the American mining giant faces charges
that it released waste and heavy metals into the air and water at
Buyat Bay in northern Sulawesi province. Newmont's American president
also faces charges in the suit.

A lawyer for the mining company says Jakarta's case is baseless.

Tests on the bay's water have produced conflicting results. Two
studies indicated no pollution in the bay. However a subsequent
government probe reported elevated arsenic levels.

Newmont has admitted releasing mercury into the environment at the
gold mine, but denies that it sickened local people.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.


.