Central Bangka Police Raid Illegal Tin Mining, 4 People Arrested

Central Bangka Resort Police, Bangka Belitung Islands, arrested four tin ore wild miners in the Special Mining Business Permit (WIUPK) area of PT Timah Tbk.

The four arrested perpetrators were Su, owner of a gearbox type of mining; AR, manual title mining worker; ZK, manual title mining worker; and PT, who acts as the party that protects these illegal activities.

The perpetrators operate without permission in the Kolong Merbuk area, the former PT Kobatin, which has been transferred to PT Timah's WIUPK in Koba District, Central Bangka Regency.

Head of Public Relations of the Central Bangka Police, Iptu Erwin Syahri, stated that mining activities without a permit constitute a criminal act in accordance with Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. This violation can be subject to criminal sanctions.

"We will not hesitate to take firm action against illegal mining actors, especially in areas that have been repeatedly given appeals and carried out joint raids," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 19.

This action began with a report from PT Timah to the Central Bangka Police at around 13.00 WIB regarding illegal mining activities in the area. Two hours after receiving the report, the joint team consisting of Central Bangka Police personnel and PT Timah security immediately moved to the location.

Dari hasil pemeriksaan awal terhadap tiga pelaku, tim penyidik melakukan pengembangan dan berhasil mengamankan seorang pelaku lain berinisial PT yang berperan sebagai pemberi izin atau pihak yang menintah aktivitas penambang ilegal tersebut.

The four perpetrators and evidence have been secured at the Central Bangka Police for further investigation. In this operation, the police also confiscated various pieces of evidence used in illegal mining activities, such as mining machines of various types.

In addition, various size monitors and spirals, water pumps and ground pumps, plastic drums for mining material shelters, various mining carpet sheets, as well as other supporting tools such as takal, hoes, and jerry cans filled with fuel.

"We urge the public not to be involved in illegal mining activities. Apart from violating the law, this activity also damages the environment and can endanger the safety of the workers themselves," said Erwin.