ID :
286124
Mon, 05/20/2013 - 12:36
Auther :

Bangka Of Minahasa Hold Potential Iron Reserves

Manado, North Sulawesi, May 20(Antara) - The island of Bangka in the district of Minahasa, North Sulawesi, holds potential reserves of iron ores, an official said. Head of the provincial energy and mineral resource service F. Boy Tamon said the island in the sub-district of Likupang, holds an estimated 17.5 million tons of iron ore in reserve. The regional administration, therefore, invited investors to exploit the natural wealth, Boy Tamon, said here on on Monday. Analysis of environmental impact, however, is required before embarking on the development of the reserves to prevent unexpected problem in the future, Tamon said. Development of the natural resources is expected to contribute significantly to improving the welfare of local people, he added. Earlier an official in charge of economic development in the regency of Minahasa W. Dimpudus told a workshop in Maumbi in the district that an investor from China has indicated interest in developing the iron ore reserve. The Chinese investors hoped to build a steel factory to process iron on the island of Bangka, Dimpudus said. "The investment, therefore, would be big," he said not going into details. The mining area would cover a total area of 2,000 hectares that implementation of the project would require relocation of around 750 families from the village of Kahuku to the sub-district of Likupang Timur, he said.

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