Indonesia Issues New Regulation: Allows Mining Companies to Export Unprocessed Ore in Force Majeure Situations

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy stated on Thursday that the Indonesian government has issued a regulation allowing mining companies to export unprocessed ore under force majeure circumstances.

Indonesia banned the export of raw ore in 2023 to encourage domestic metal processing. However, some exemptions were made, including for the miner PT Freeport Indonesia, which was granted an export permit for copper concentrates last year. The permit was valid until the completion of maintenance work at its Manyar smelter and expired at the end of last year.

Dadan Kusdiana, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said that export permits are valid for six months after the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources issues an approval recommendation.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung stated that the issuance of export permits is conditional on companies ensuring sufficient raw material supply for domestic use and improving mineral refining facilities within a specified timeframe.

He also mentioned that it is necessary to formulate this regulation to avoid layoffs and increase national revenue. (Compiled by Wenhua)

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