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Tuesday,
June 08, 2004
PTNNT conserves coral
reefs with 2000 reef balls
In
coordination with the community and local government, PT
Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT) began a multi-year artificial
reef program with the placement of 14 of a planned 2000 reef
balls in Benete Bay, West Sumbawa, NTB, Saturday (5/6). This
event, coincides with the commemoration of World Environment
Day.
“The coral reef conservation program is one of
PTNNT’s commitments to go beyond the requirements of the AMDAL
in our efforts to conserve the environment, near the Batu
Hijau mine,” said Phil Brumit, General Manager Operations
PTNNT.
The program aims at providing habitat for coral
and fish. These specialize reef balls provide a place for
natural coral reefs and fish to propagate. “This will allow
marine biota to grow and develop in and around the reef balls
and should increase the fishery in the area,” Phil Brumit
explained.
In the meantime, Environment Manager, Grant
Batterham, explained that in addition to improving marine
productivity, coral reef conservation will also become diving
spots for tourism, helps to protect beaches and the community
from wave abrasion and marine current, as well as becomes a
model for the community, the business people, and the
government.
“For 2004, PTNNT plans to produce and
place approximately 300 reef balls. By 2010, the company will
have produced 2000 ball reefs to be placed in the waters of
Benete, Maluk, and Jelengah at total cost of Rp900 million,”
Grant Batterham added. “The production of all ball reefs
employs local contractors and local workforces,” Grant
Batterham said.
Reef balls are made in accordance with
a special formula of sand, cement, gravel and silica and will
form the backbone for new reefs to grow. Reef balls are
harmless to the environment and have been widely used in many
locations around the world to improve marine ecosystems. PT
Newmont Minahasa Raya in North Sulawesi province has
successfully implemented the largest program of this type in
the world.*
Reported by : Press Release
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