Jakarta, June 9 -- The Environment Ministry warned PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, a nickel mining company in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, of possible criminal penalties after pollution from a collapsed settling pond and activities in a protected nature reserve.

"For indications of pollution and environmental damage caused, criminal law enforcement and civil lawsuits will be carried out," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq noted here on Sunday.

After identifying these violations, the ministry installed a monitoring board at the company's sites on Manuran Island and Waigeo Island, both part of the Raja Ampat Islands.

Minister Nurofiq also plans to instruct the Raja Ampat district head to review the environmental permit for Manuran Isl...