Foreigners in search of Indo gold

Potential gold reserves in Merangin regency, Jambi, have attracted the attention of foreign investors, a local agency official says.

"Merangin regency has potential gold and ore reserves spread across several districts. This has attracted the attention of both national and international investors," Merangin Energy and Mineral Resources Agency chief Markoni said in the Merangin capital of Bangko on Thursday. "Particularly because Merangin now produces ore, which is managed by PT PSM and PT Sitasa Energi," he added, as quoted by Antara.

Those who had expressed an interest included foreign investors from China and India, Markoni said.

The ore was mainly found in the Bukit Barisan area, while gold had been found in Nalo Tantan, Batang Masumai and Tabir districts, he said.

Markoni added that his agency had issued 15 mining licenses already.