Central Bangka Police Close "Illegal" Tin Mining In 3 Areas

Central Bangka Police closed illegal tin ore mining activities, Sunday, April 11 (Ahmadi/Antara)

JAKARTA - The Central Bangka Resort Police, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, forcibly closed illegal tin ore mining activities in three areas, due to potential conflicts between miners.

"The potential for conflict in the mining circle or between miners is very high, we anticipate from now on to maintain a safe and conducive situation in the community," said Central Bangka Police Chief Slamet Ady Purnomo in Koba, as reported by Antara, Monday, April 12.

He explained that the three illegally mined areas are Marbuk, Kenari, and Pungguk which are close by and are also the pits of a large-scale former tin mine owned by PT. Koba Tin (a tin ore smelting company that has been declared bankrupt and closed).

"Illegal mining activities in the three areas have occurred pros and cons, there is also the potential for friction between miners who are feared to lead to conflict," Slamet said.

Police deployed hundreds of personnel to forcibly close the illegal tin mining area and asked miners to exit the mine site and dismantle all their mining equipment, which is a production suction pontoon.

"Today's raid is a form of affirmation, we ask miners to leave the site and all mining equipment must be dismantled," he said.

Slamet asserted, if there are stubborn miners, then law enforcement efforts are carried out.

"We have until Monday, April 12 to dismantle all tin ore mining equipment and empty the three areas, if not heeded then legal action is taken," he said.