Martabe Gold Mine Permitted to Resume Operations, Agincourt's Reaction
PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) has responded to the reinstatement of the operating permit for the Martabe gold mine in North Sumatra, which had previously been suspended. The company is currently focusing on technical and administrative preparations before resuming normal operations.
Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at PTAR, Katarina Siburian Hardono, confirmed the validity of the operating permit reinstated by the government. As of now, mining activities have not yet commenced, as the company must complete coordination and fulfil various government requirements.
“Until now, we have indeed not operated; we still need to carry out preparations and coordination to meet the requirements,” Katarina stated to CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Following the government’s approval, the company assures compliance with all regulations set by relevant agencies. It commits to prioritising environmental protection and occupational safety standards across all operational areas of the mine.
“The company welcomes the decision of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) regarding approval to continue operational activities at the Martabe Gold Mine. The company is currently undertaking various necessary preparations and coordinating with KLHK and other relevant ministries,” she added.
Regarding future production targets and volumes, the company stated it will formulate plans carefully. This approach ensures that mining activities proceed responsibly and sustainably, without neglecting environmental preservation.
“Regarding production planning, we will do this carefully, considering operational readiness, environmental aspects, and compliance with all applicable provisions. The company’s primary priority is to ensure mine operations run safely, responsibly, and sustainably,” she explained.
The resumption of operations at the Martabe gold mine is also expected to bring direct positive impacts on the welfare of surrounding communities. The company is optimistic about revitalising the economy that was affected during the temporary suspension period.
“We hope that the return of mine operational activities can soon drive and support economic recovery in the areas around the mine, including job sustainability, support for local businesses, and contributions to the regional economy,” she emphasised.
As is known, certainty for the Martabe gold mine’s operations was granted after the company’s environmental permit was reinstated by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), following its previous revocation due to triggers of flooding in North Sumatra (Sumut).
On another occasion, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung explained that this decision was based on KLHK’s evaluation of the environmental management conducted by the company.
According to Yuliot, the evaluation results indicate that PTAR’s environmental management meets the requirements for sustainable mining practices. Consequently, the previously imposed sanctions have been lifted.
“Based on the evaluation conducted by KLHK on the relevant environmental management, it meets the requirements for sustainable mining management, and the imposition of sanctions has been revoked,” Yuliot said to CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (26/3/2026).
With the revocation of the sanctions, the company can resume production activities in accordance with the applicable Contract of Work (KK) until 2042.
Regarding the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), PTAR can still carry out production according to the RKAB for the 2025-2027 period. Additionally, the company can concurrently submit an RKAB for 2026.
“For the relevant RKAB, production can be carried out according to the 2025-2027 RKAB, and in parallel, submit the 2026 RKAB,” he stated.