Indonesian government accused of putting lives at risk with zinc mine permit

In an area prone to natural disasters, residents claim a new mining project has damaged homes and livelihoods and left them fearing for their safety

Villagers in North Sumatra have accused the Indonesian government of putting their lives at risk by allowing a zinc mining firm to operate in an area prone to earthquakes and flooding.

People in the mountainous Dairi Regency claim construction work carried out by Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) has damaged their homes and livelihoods. They fear for their safety as the mine, which is expected to be operational in 2025, will sit on the Great Sumatran fault.