PT Timah Intervenes, Illegal Mining In Belitung Is Ordered!

The security team of PT Timah Tbk handed over the perpetrators of illegal tin mining to the Badau Belitung Police, Wednesday (13/8/2025) (ANTARA/HO-PT Tin)

PANGKALPINANG - The security team of PT Timah Tbk regulates illegal mining activities in the company's Mining Business Permit (IUP) area in Cerucuk Village, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

This control is carried out as a commitment of the company to protect the concession area from mining practices without a permit.

"This control is part of the company's efforts to secure strategic assets belonging to the state," said PT Timah Tbk's Division of Mining Assets and Security Brigadier General Gatot Agus Budi Utomo in Pangkalpinang, Antara, Wednesday, August 12.

Gatot explained that the control started with reports from members of the company's security regarding illegal tin mining activities belonging to the community.

The production of the mine is thought to be sold to a tin collector known as the 'smoking shirt.'

The officers then carried out routine patrols and surveillance. In this activity, the security team found illegal mining activities using mining equipment in the company's concession area.

"The perpetrators were immediately secured on the spot and handed over to law enforcement officers, in this case the Badau Police for further processing," he said.

According to Gatot, tin resources are national assets that must be maintained. PT Timah has an obligation to ensure that all mining activities in the concession area are carried out legally and according to regulations.

"Previously, PT Timah had also carried out illegal mining control in Central Bangka Regency with a joint team. This is the company's commitment to safeguarding state assets," he said.

He assessed that illegal mining is detrimental to the state and company because it has the potential to reduce state revenue from the mineral and coal sector, as well as damage the environment.

"Strict action against illegal mines in the concession area of companies like this will continue to be carried out in order to preserve the environment, asset security, and legal certainty," said Gatot.