Government to Announce Martabe Gold Mine Environmental Audit Results Within Days

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed that the government will shortly announce the results of an environmental audit of the Martabe gold mine owned by PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR). The audit process is currently being conducted by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) in connection with the revocation of the contract of work (KK).

“Give us one to two days, and once it is clear, we will make an announcement. Next week, God willing, next week,” said Bahlil, as quoted on Saturday, 14 February.

According to him, if no environmental violations are found to have caused flash flooding in North Sumatra, then the mining permit will be returned to PTAR. Conversely, if violations are discovered, sanctions will still be imposed.

“As I said previously, it is still under investigation. If the investigation does not find any significant violations, then it will certainly be returned to its owner. And there has not yet been any administrative process following up on that announcement,” Bahlil explained.

He noted that the mine, a business affiliate of the Astra Group, is currently undergoing two assessments, namely an environmental impact analysis (Amdal), a Forest Area Borrowing-Use Permit (IPPKH) review, and a Contract of Work (KK) review.

The gold mine, located across the regencies of South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli and Mandailing Natal, has been reported as being earmarked for takeover by the National Mineral Company (Perminas).

Previously, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Perkasa Roeslani disclosed that he had received and examined a Clarification Letter from PT Agincourt Resources containing explanations regarding hydrological and operational environmental aspects as well as compliance with area designation.

He added that every policy and decision would be taken carefully, transparently and in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining certainty and confidence in the national investment climate.

“The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM believes that legal certainty is the principal foundation for building trust and mutually beneficial long-term partnerships between the government and investors, both domestic and foreign,” Rosan affirmed.