Indonesia pollution trial ending

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A US mining executive faces a maximum 10-year prison term in Indonesia if found guilty of dumping toxic mining wastes into a bay on Sulawesi island.

Richard Ness, head of Newmont Mining's Indonesian subsidiary, says the mine did not exceed pollution standards before it stopped operations in 2004.

Mr Ness has been on trial in Jakarta for nearly two years.

Local villagers say they are suffering from tumours and skin diseases caused by mercury and arsenic poisoning.

"I'm positive there has never been any pollution and I think most people are starting to realise that," Mr Ness has said.

Studies of the waters around Buyat Bay, where the pollution is alleged to have occurred, have shown conflicting results.

A study conducted for the Indonesian government showed mercury and arsenic levels were much higher than national standards.

But tests by the World Health Organization and other groups have found that pollutants in the water were within normal limits.

The US mining giant agreed to pay Indonesia $30m in an out-of-court settlement last year that did not see the Denver-based company admit any wrongdoing.