House expected to start deliberating mining bill in October

The government expects the House of Representatives (DPR) to start deliberating mining law in October immediately after the House ends its one-month recess which will begin late this week, geology and mineral resources director general Wimpy S. Tjetjep said on Monday.

?DPR will begin deliberating the bill in October. House recess will start late this week,? Wimpy told Petromindo.Com in Bali.

Wimpy said the government special team tasked with preparing the draft of mining bill has nearly finished its work.

He said the team was still awaiting response from the ministry of finance on fiscal matters mentioned in the draft bill. Wimpy admitted his office and the ministry of finance differed in the matters.

The ministry of finance and other ministries concerned with the prospective mining law had been given one month to amend parts of the draft bill when necessary.

The draft bill will have to be submitted to the President for approval before being deliberated by the House.

Another official said earlier the government had expected DPR to endorse the mining bill before the end of this year.

Unlike the 1987 law, the new draft mining bill allows foreign investors to obtain ?mining permit? and ?mining contract?.

The draft bill obliges mining investors to incorporate community development into their programs, and gives particular attention to small-scale mining.

It stresses the authority of local administrations to issue mining concessions, while maintaining the central government?s rights to sanction mining contracts. (godang)