North Sumatra Provincial Government Shuts Down 13 Illegal Class C Mining Sites in Deli Serdang

A joint task force from the North Sumatra Provincial Government has shut down 13 illegal Class C mining sites across two regencies, namely Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai. The operation was carried out on Friday, targeting unlicensed sand mining activities along the Ular River. Dedi Jaminsyah Putra Harahap, Head of the North Sumatra Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources Agency, stated that the task force included personnel from the Environmental and Forestry Agency, the Transportation Agency, the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency, the Civil Service Police Unit, and the Deli Serdang Regency Government. All operators of Class C sand mines along the Ular River were ordered to cease operations immediately and were urged to apply for permits to conduct business legally. Dedi emphasised that the government is not trying to shut down businesses but is ensuring all mining activities comply with regulations. He noted that the current conditions are quite concerning and do not meet the requirements for environmental approval, making this enforcement a crucial step in directing business operators to adhere to environmental document regulations, in accordance with Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 4 of 2021.