Fiscal matters slow up formulation of mining bill: Purnomo

The government has yet to resolve differences on fiscal matters to be included in general mining bill before it is submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for deliberation, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Friday.

Purnomo said the Ministry of Finance still insisted that fiscal matters in the mining sector be regulated by existing tax laws, and not by special regulations which require House approval (lex specialis).

He said that, in response to the Ministry of Finance?s objection, his office had proposed two draft fiscal regulations to be included in the mining bill. Purnomo did not elaborate.

The initial plan was the government would present the mining bill to DPR before the end of 2002.

If passed, the new mining law will replace the one issued in 1967.

The bill strikes a new balance between the interest of mining investors and the national interest. It also pays great attention to the interest of people living in the regions, who have felt neglected by the mining industry under the current mining law. (godang)