Bambang Susigit shares his observation on cancellation of export permit for four miners

According to the report published in Kontan.co.id, the ministry's mineral business supervision director Bambang Susigit confirms that the government has temporarily revoked four concentrate export permits as the four mining companies have failed to fulfil commitments to develop smelters as part of the permit’s requirements. Those companies include three nickel miners and one bauxite miner PT Lobindo Nusa Persada, based in Bintan, Riau Islands.

However, the government will reinstate the exports permits if the companies show their commitments to fulfil the requirement, says Bambang further.

“It depends on the company. If they submit their reports, we will clarify and review them immediately. If the reports are valid, we will reissue the permits. Otherwise, we will issue their final warning 45 days before we stop [their exports],” he said.

The requirement to develop the smelter over a certain time is stipulated in Energy and Mineral Resources Ministerial Regulation No. 25/2018 on mineral and coal mining.

Processing and Smelting Companies Association (AP3I) founder Jonathan Handojo on the other hand, denounces the ministry for its inability to monitor progress in smelter development.

“The ministry lacks [a control mechanism]. The ministry should closely and periodically monitor the commitment of each company,” Jonathan added.