Regency suspends sand quarrying

Regency suspends sand quarrying

JAKARTA (JP): The Riau administration has halted sand
quarrying and sand exports to Singapore indefinitely, regent
Muhammad Sani announced on Monday.

The regent said that the suspension, effective as from early
July, was aimed at improving the regulation of the regency's sand
industry, which he blamed to have caused severe environmental
damage.

Poor licensing procedures and supervision had enabled some
irresponsible sand companies to freely operate in the area
without any environmental awareness, he said.

The move was also expected to prop up sand prices, he said.

"We have made the move to help restore the environment and to
raise sand prices," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Muhammad said during the suspension period, the administration
would select companies that would be allowed to continue
operating.

"Any companies daring to continue operating during the period
of suspension will have their licenses revoked," he said.

Sand is one of the regency's main exports and is virtually all
exported to Singapore to support the island state's construction
sector. (05)