By Paul Ploumis 26 Jun 2015 Last updated at 08:30:00 GMT
JAKARTA (Scrap Monster): Indonesia’s new President Joko Widodo stated that a new tin policy will be formulated in order to curb illegal mining. The proposed plan would boost tin prices, he added. This was announced during his two-day visit to Bangka and Belitung provinces. The President also inaugurated Tanjung Batu port facilities in Belitung island and also visited PT Tinindo Inter Nusa smelter in Pangkalpinang, Bangka.
The new President emphasized the need for a long-term tin strategy for the country to ensure better management of tin mining and smelting in Bangka and Belitung provinces. He further stated that the country must have to develop effective strategies to help curb rampant tin exports from the islands. Joko noted that small scale mines should be managed by private firms and state enterprises. People could develop their smaller scale tin mining business into legal entities with government approval.
The various data and information contained in the reports submitted by Babel Governor Rustam Effendi will be thoroughly evaluated and analyzed before formulating the proposed policy. The present condition of tin mining in the province will be carefully studied. The study will also look into the rising incidents of ‘tin smuggling’ in the province.
The President was accompanied by Transportation Minister Ignatius Jonan, Economy Coordinating Minister Sofyan Djalil, Health Minister Nila Moeloek, Industry Minister Saleh Husin, and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Frangky Sibarani.
