Biak, Papua (ANTARA News) - Spanish company Repsol is interested in exploring the mineral potentials of Rani island in Aururi Islands subdistrict, Supirori district, Papua province, a local official said here Saturday.

Rani island is one of three regions in Papua that had drawn the interest of the Spanish mining investor, a special staff for communications and development of Supiori district Yohanes Koroh said.

He said the interest of the Spanish investor in Rani island`s minerral deposits was expressed by its representative in Indonesia, Rommy, and Papua Promotion House official Wekners Chips to Supirori District Chief Fredrick Menufandu and the Secretary of Supiori district Dairi Manulang.

"The interest of the Spanish investor in exploring Rani island`s mineral resources was positively responded to by the Supiori district administration which was ready to give it a licensing recommendation," Yohanes Koroh said.

According to the Spanish company`s representative, Supiori dsitrict administration`s readiness to give a licensing was the fastest in all districts/cities in Indonesia.

Yohenes Koroh said although Repsol would initially only explore Rani Island`s` mineral resources, the activity was expected to improve the local people`s welfare.

To benefit from its natural resources, Supiori district needed both domestic and foreign companies to invest in projects to develop them, he said.

Supiori District Chief Fredrick Menufandu`s program to invite foreign investors to develop the reggion`s marine potential was expected to get support from various elements of the community, Yohanes Koroh said, adding that besides the Spanish investor the administration had also received offers from foreign businessmen to invest in a mineral water project.

Supiori district was formerly part Biak Numfor district and Sorindiweri is now its regional capital.
(T.KR-LWA/HAJM/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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