NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Office Investigates Lantung Block Mining Permit After Three Deaths

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Energy and Mineral Resources Office, together with mining inspectors from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has deployed a joint team to investigate the gold mining permit in the Lantung block, Sumbawa. The investigation follows an incident in which three residents died after being buried by landslide material at the mining site.

“We cannot yet confirm whether the location of the incident falls within a legally permitted area or outside it, because for now it is still based on assumptions. The joint team has gone directly to the field to check the detailed status of that area,” said the Head of the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Samsudin, when contacted by detikBali on Monday (7/9/2026).

Samsudin said the mining site was immediately sterilised and cordoned off with police lines following the incident. He emphasised that the mining permit holder would be summoned if the location proves to fall within a People’s Mining Permit Area (IPR).

“If violations are found as a result of the investigation, the government will not hesitate to impose sanctions ranging from a stern warning to the revocation of the operational permit,” he asserted.

Samsudin expressed deep condolences over the loss of life in the incident. He urged the public to exercise restraint and follow the official procedures for managing a People’s Mining Area (WPR) in order to ensure work safety.

“Currently, only three blocks have had permits issued. Now, whether this Lantung block is among those proposed, we will check first. There are many murky goings-on in this area as well,” he concluded.

Previously, three illegal gold miners died after being buried in a landslide in the Lawang Tua area, Lantung District, Sumbawa, NTB, on Saturday (5/9) evening. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, whilst two others passed away at the Lantung Community Health Centre.

In addition to the fatalities, the disaster also left six others injured. Of that number, three injured victims were referred to the NTB Provincial Regional General Hospital, whilst the other three have been allowed to return home.