Indonesia will charge only one of six Newmont Mining Corp. executives accused of dumping toxic waste into a bay, prosecutors said Tuesday, in a legal victory for the U.S. gold mining giant.

Robert Ilat, the chief prosecutor in the case, said his office plans to pursue charges against Newmont's top official in Indonesia, American Richard Ness, and the Denver-based company itself.

A trial could start within weeks, he said.

Activists condemned a suggestion by a minister that the government might consider an out-of-court settlement with U.S. mining company Newmont in a civil lawsuit involving alleged pollution of Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi, warning that it would set a bad precedent for the enforcement of environmental law.

Raja Siregar of the Indonesia Forum for the Environment (Walhi) said that if the government acceded to Newmont's offer of mediation, this would prove its half-heartedness in enforcing the law in the environmental field.

Activists in communities around the world -- wherever Newmont Mining Company operates open-pit gold mines -- experience intimidation, threats and violence that come directly or indirectly from Newmont managers and contractors. In Indonesia, Newmont is currently suing three community activists for "defamation;" if convicted, they face jail sentences, fines and/or confiscation of their property.

Here's an update from the New York Times on the situation in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, where Newmont Mining Company faces charges that its mine caused health problems and environmental contamination. As the Newmont annual shareholders meeting approaches (April 27), we will keep you updated on protests against Newmont from communities around the world. Global Response supports protesters against Newmont mines in Indonesia, Ghana and Peru.

MAR. 17 8:47 A.M. ET Indonesia's Supreme Court has ruled that a police investigation into five executives of U.S. mining giant Newmont Mining Corp. over pollution allegations is legal, clearing the way for the men to face trial.

In December, the South Jakarta District Court ruled that the case against the men -- an American, an Australian and three Indonesians -- was illegal because police had failed to inform the environment ministry of their intention to arrest them.

Many thanks and congratulations to everyone who sent messages and letters to the government of Indonesia on behalf of communities affected by Newmont's Minahasa Raya gold mine.

 This week, the Minister of the Environment announced he has asked a court to order Newmont Mining Company to pay for environmental damages and the sufferings of villagers affected by pollution from the mine. two news reports from Indonesia below.  And celebrate this victory for corporate accountability!

Government to seek financial compensation from Newmont

Two big news items in the campaign to hold Newmont Mining Corporation accountable for environmental and health impacts of its Minahasa Raya mine in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia - An internal company report warned top executives at
the Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's largest gold producer, in 2001
that the company was putting tons of toxic mercury vapors into the air in
Indonesia.

The document, shown to The New York Times by a person close to Newmont,
sheds new light on operations at one of the most troubled mines of a
Fortune 500 company based in Denver that has drawn the rising ire of
environmental groups and local communities over the impact of its operations.