The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Stops Illegal Tin Ore Mining Activities In The Belinyu Sea, Bangka

JAKARTA - The Director General of Mineral and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ridwan Djamaluddin managed to stop the activities of dozens of illegal tin mines in the Belinyu Sea, Bangka.

The operation of dozens of mines was discovered by the Director General of Mineral and Coal and the supervisory team while patrolling illegal mines starting from Monday morning in the Belinyu Sea to Penyesuk, Bangka Regency.

The patrol using the KN Damaru P.214 vessel confirmed that there was an illegal tin ore mining operation in these waters.

"Starting Sunday, July 24, illegal miners must stop their activities," said Ridwan in a written statement, Monday, July 25.

During the operation, the team found dozens of illegal tin ore mining pontoons operating in the Belinyu Sea or outside the mining business permit (IUP) of PT Timah Tbk, which is a fishing area for traditional fishermen in the area.

"If these miners are still repeating these illegal acts, we will not hesitate to act decisively in accordance with applicable regulations," continued Ridwan.

Ridwan, who is also the Acting Governor of the Babylon Islands, explained that illegal tin ore mining is detrimental to fishermen because this mining location is a traditional fishing area for Bangka Island fishermen.

He also ensured that the government was ready to facilitate the miners to take care of the tin ore mining permit.

"Once we have a permit, we will work together with IUP owners, both PT Timah and the private sector," he said.