Govt to handover certain authorities on existing mining contract to provinces

The central government will handover next year certain authorities over existing mining contract of works and coal contract of works to provincial administrations, according to director general of geology and mineral resources Wimpy S. Tjetjep.

Speaking during a meeting with the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) Thursday, Wimpy said that this was in line with the government ruling No. 31/2001 on the handover of mining authorities.

He added that the handover of the authority would start on Jan. 1, 2003.

The implementation of the regional autonomy law two years ago only gave regional governments authorities over new mining contracts, while authorities over existing contracts still rested in the hands of the central government.

But the government is now planning to transfer part of the authorities to provincial administration, which cover approval and supervisory authorities.

Approval authority includes approval on land reclamation fund, on delivery of sampling bulk, re-export of goods and equipments, security clearance for air survey, and approval on the development and operation of special mining port.

Supervisory authority includes supervision of land reclamation, production and marketing, exploration activity, and ensuring environmental protection and work safety.(Alex)