The Governor says that if no activities are seen at the latest early 2012, permits for the working area of 36,635 hectares belonging to the company will be revoked and auctioned to new investors. PT Inco TBK is deemed to be not seriously intending to develop the area.

“We will give a deadline up to December (2011) to show us their intention to actually work on their area in Morowali” says Longki in Palu on Wednesday (9/11/2011).

One of Inco mining fleet

The statement is mentioned by Longki when answering journalists after closed meeting he had with PT Inco Tbk representative at the Governor’s office. The meeting was also attended by Morowali Regency head, Anwar Hafid.

According to the Anwar, PT Inco Tbk promised to start their activities by 2010. However, until this day, no activities are seen on the ground and it seems that they have just neglected the area.

“The last deadline I gave them was in March but until now there is still no sign of any activities. Frankly we feel very disadvantaged because an area that big is just lay to waste” said Anwar.

Meanwhile Longki acknowledged that his decision to revoke the license is going to be very tough for PT Inco Tbk, however, this are consequences that they have to bear. “Even if Inco decided to work on the area, we will ask them to get a third party to involve, even if they still own the concession” says Longki.

The contract permit owned by PT Inco Tbk for the Morowali area is actually valid until 2025.

In respond to this PT Inco Tbk Director Nico Canter says that he is hoping for support from the Central Sulawesi and Morowali Government to start their mining activities soon starting at Bahodopi Block.

At the meeting with the Governor, PT Inco Tbk lays out their plan which includes constructing various infrastructures such as airstrip and sea port around Bahodopi Block.