House likely to start deliberating general mining bill this month

The House of Representatives (DPR) will likely start deliberating this month the general mining bill which had been drafted by a government team, a well-placed government official told Petromindo.com Friday.

?I guess the parliament will start debating the general mining bill this month after House members ending their recess,? geology and mineral resources director general Wimpy S. Tjetjep said.

DPR will hold its plenary session on January 13 to decide its agenda following its one-month recess.

The government had submitted the general mining bill to the House in December.

The bill tries to strike a new balance between the interest of mining investors and the national interest.

It also pays a great attention to the interest of people living in the regions, who today feel being neglected by the mining industry.

Moreover, the bill does not differentiate between mining for foreign investment, which has dominated the country?s mining sector over the years, and investment from locals. (godang)