West Java authorities to issue bylaw on mining<\/p>\n
BANDUNG (JP): In a bid to curb environmental damage, the West
\nJava administration is expected to issue on Monday a bylaw to
\nmanage mining in the province.<\/p>\n
\"We have to reduce the level of environmental damage in West
\nJava due to uncontrolled mining operations,\" said legislator Yudi
\nWidiana Adia, a member of the provincial council's special
\ncommittee that deliberated the draft on mining management.<\/p>\n
The regulation is expected to become effective on Monday after
\nreceiving the approval of West Java Governor Nuriana.<\/p>\n
The regulation comprising 35 articles contains two salient
\npoints: the criteria for businessmen in obtaining a mining
\nlicense and the size of the mining area which can be accorded.<\/p>\n
The limit for exploring mining in an offshore area is expected
\nto be set at 10,000 hectares, while on land it will be 5,000
\nhectares.<\/p>\n
Mining companies who wish to receive licenses are also
\nrequired to have an ISO 14000.<\/p>\n
\"Thus far the quality of mining products from West Java has
\nbeen poor because the mining standards have been poor,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The new law is expected to also stipulate that licenses cannot
\nbe transferred except to the direct heirs of the permit holder.<\/p>\n
Certain \"conservation\" areas are also expected to be named in
\nthe bylaw.<\/p>\n
In the past, mining licenses could be obtained from the
\nMinistry of Mines and Energy in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The provincial administration and the council however believes
\nthat the \"centralistic manner\" by which these licenses are
\nobtained does not take into consideration the environmental
\nexploitation and damage felt by locals.<\/p>\n
Yudi pointed to the northern coastal area in West Java which
\nhas been severely damaged by sand quarrying.<\/p>\n
\"We also see that the gold mining areas in Cikotok were just
\nleft deserted after the gold had been exhausted. A similar case
\noccurred at Pongkor gold mine in Bogor,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"It has even caused conflict between the miners and local
\nresidents,\" Yudi said.<\/p>\n
Yudi admitted that the decision made by the administration and
\nthe council to issue the regulation was not popular with the
\nmining business community.<\/p>\n
However he stressed that the rehabilitation of the environment
\nshould be a priority.<\/p>\n
\"We are not looking at merely getting profits from the mining
\nsector, but our concern is that it should also contribute to the
\npreservation of the ecosystem,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Violation of the bylaw will carry a minimum punishment of
\nthree-months imprisonment or a Rp 15 million (US$1.363) fine.<\/p>\n
West Java is known for its potential in sand quarrying and
\ngold mines. Recently the local mine agency claimed it had
\ndiscovered titanium in South Sukabumi. (25\/emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/west-java-authorities-to-issue-bylaw-on-mining-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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