West Java ESDM Department Finds 49 Illegal Type C Mines in Cianjur

Cianjur (ANTARA) – The West Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Department (ESDM) has found 49 illegal Type C mining sites still operating in Cianjur Regency. Officials have put up warning boards at the sites prohibiting mining activity.

Diki Pramesti, co-ordinator for Mining and Groundwater at the department, said in Cianjur on Thursday that the illegal sites were discovered after reports from various parties, including members of the public.

As well as putting up prohibition banners, the department has sent warning letters to the operators, copying in relevant parties, including law enforcement officials at the West Java Police.

“We coordinated with the Indonesian Military and National Police, the Cianjur Regency Environmental Agency, the Cianjur Civil Service Police Unit, and officials at sub-district and village level before visiting illegal mining sites at several locations in Cianjur,” he said.

He explained that illegal mining violates Article 158 of Law No. 3/2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to Rp100 billion.

Mining activities must be properly licensed, including through a Mining Business Permit Area (WIUP), an exploration permit and a production operations permit. Applications for permits can be submitted to the West Java provincial government.

He added that Cianjur currently has only nine licensed mining businesses: one exploration Mining Business Permit (IUP), six production operations IUPs and two Rock Mining Permits (SIPB).