Batu Ampar beach on Bangka Island seriously damaged

A coastal area in the Batu Ambar village of the Merawang district on Bangka Island has been seriously damaged due to tin mining activities, according to the local environmental office.

Yan Megwandi, a senior official in charge of environmental problem in the Bangka regency, said in Pangkalpinang on Monday that the damage in the famous beach was resulted from tin mining activities allegedly carried out by a partner of the state owned mining company PT Tambang Timah.

The company, which used a dredger and othe heavy equipment in its mining operation had caused a serious damage to the beach, he said, adding that the company's mining operation had covered over 300 hectares.

PT Tambang Timah, the world's largest tin producer, subcontracts its tin mining activities in cooperation with other companies. (*).