PT Timah Tbk (TINS) will commence tin mining operations in the waters of Beriga, Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The company has secured a Mining Business Permit (IUP) to conduct mining activities.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) stated that the Beriga waters fall within a designated mining zone, as it is part of PT Timah Tbk’s IUP area.

“When the area falls within a mining zone, the IUP holder can apply for a permit to manage that area in compliance with applicable regulations,” said Director of Marine and Coastal Area Management at KKP, Krishna Samudra, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (22/10/2024).

As an IUP holder, PT Timah, he added, may carry out operations and production if it has obtained all formal permits in line with existing regulations.

“If a company has obtained a business permit that includes the Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) and other necessary permits, then it may proceed with its business activities,” said Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Advocates Association, Penta Peturun, in a statement.

He explained that PT Timah’s planned tin mining activities are facing some challenges and should be handled prudently. As a state-owned enterprise, PT Timah is tasked with managing the country’s tin resources.

“If the community is concerned about potential environmental pollution, there should first be evidence of such pollution. Should it be proven, the community can report it, and the government, as the permit issuer, would evaluate or impose sanctions on PT Timah,” he stated.

According to him, PT Timah could establish partnerships with the local community to facilitate tin mining operations so that all stakeholders can benefit from the area’s natural resources.

Regarding social conflicts among the community, he noted that PT Timah could foster partnerships to involve the community in the tin mining business process.

In these circumstances, ideally, relevant parties would provide support and oversight for healthy tin mining practices and partnership programs between IUP holders and local miners.

“Strategic communication should be established with stakeholders, including the government, community, and local groups, to reach a mutual agreement, given that legal requirements have been met,” he advised.

Additionally, he emphasized that tin mining in the Bangka Belitung Islands should be approached in a way that serves public interests while safeguarding Indonesia’s natural resource assets.