Ecology
Scientists like The Global reef Alliance as well as publishers of scientific media like National Geographic, international environmental organisations like Down To Earth and even Indonesian government institutions like The Ministry of Environment have delivered statements of concern about the proposed submarine disposal of tailings (STD) going to damage the sensitive ecology of the North Sulawesi Wallacea region. A 2004 report to the Indonesian government on the contamination of Buyat Bay conducted in 2004 by a multidisciplinary research team under guidance of the Ministry of Environment stated in point 19 of the recommendations:

Suggesting to the government to revise all permits already given to dispose tailings submarine in regard to environmental control. Recommended to the government NOT TO ISSUE ANY MORE NEW PERMITS FOR SUBMARINE DISPOSAL OF TAILINGS.

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