Indonesia’s environment ministry has granted a new approval for a controversial zinc and lead mine situated in a seismically active part of Sumatra Island. This decision comes less than a year after a Supreme Court judgment compelled the ministry to withdraw its initial approval for the same project.
Critics have voiced strong opposition to this reversal, highlighting that the fundamental environmental concerns and risks associated with the mine remain unaddressed. The mine’s location in a region prone to earthquakes has been a significant point of contention for environmental advocates and local communities concerned about potential devastation.
The renewed approval by the environment ministry has sparked significant backlash, with many viewing it as a disregard for established legal and environmental protections. The initial Supreme Court ruling had been seen as a victory for conservation efforts and a recognition of the inherent dangers posed by the mining operation in such a vulnerable area.
Source: Mongabay