Under pressure over pollution complaints, Aceh calls for closure of gold mines

In the wake of massive fish die-offs and repeated calls from environmental groups to do more than just talk about the issue, the government of Aceh has called for the closure of all illegal gold mines throughout the province. Several members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Fokorpimda)—including the Governor and Police Chief, as well as military, political and religious leaders—signed a written appeal for illegal miners to immediately stop their operations.

The appeal states that all procurement and distribution of mercury and cyanide (chemicals often used in illegal gold mining operations) must follow the legal provisions outlined in trade regulation 44/M-DAG/PER/9/2009.

The statement reads in part: "To anyone involved in the procurement, storage, distribution, sale, or purchase and/or use of mercury or cyanide: stop immediately. To the regional and city governments of Aceh: you must monitor, supervise, and take action against the procurement, storage, sale and buying of dangerous materials and non-permitted mining activities to the extent of your authority."
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