Dirty Play in Mining, Partner of PT Timah Caught Embezzling Production

PT Timah Tbk handed over the perpetrators and evidence of tin ore embezzlement to the West Bangka Police, Thursday (21/8/2025) (ANTARA/HO-PT Timah Tbk Public Relations)

PANGKALPINANG - PT Timah Tbk has taken firm action against one of its business partners suspected of embezzling tin ore mining proceeds from the Air Lena inland mine in Air Gantang Village, Parittiga District, West Bangka Regency.

The case was uncovered by the PT Timah Inland Mine Area Security Team, which discovered fraudulent practices in the company's production chain.

"The evidence and the perpetrator have been handed over to the West Bangka Police for processing according to applicable law," said Brigadier General Gatot Agus Budi Utomo, Division Head of Mining Asset & Security at PT Timah Tbk, in Pangkalpinang, Antara News Agency reported on Thursday, August 21.

Gatot stated that this action demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining operational integrity and accountability, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive that natural resource management provide the greatest benefit to the nation.

"The modus operandi used by this business partner was to hide part of the tin production in the tailings area," he explained.

The embezzlement was uncovered after the Security Team received a report of alleged fraud. The team then conducted intensive monitoring and discovered a cache of tin ore weighing dozens of kilograms buried underground in mud.

"When questioned, the mine owner admitted that the tin ore belonged to him," said Gatot.

PT Timah emphasized that it will not tolerate any form of irregularity that harms the company and undermines the governance of the national mining industry.

"With this firm action, PT Timah hopes to have a deterrent effect on business partners and mine workers, encouraging them to always comply with regulations and work professionally," Gatot emphasized.