Illegal tin mining activities damage Bangka's coastal areas

The growing illegal tin mining activities in coastal and offshore areas in many parts of Bangka Belitung have seriously damaged the province's tourist destinations known for their beautiful beaches, Kompas reported on Saturday.

The most damaged tourists resorts include Pantai Batu Ampar, Pantai Rebo and Pantai Tikus. Many giant holes left by illegal coal miners had been found in many parts of the beaches. The sea area near the beaches had also been seriously damaged by offshore illegal tin mining, the daily said.

The illegal tin mining activities in the province continues to grow despite the government's threat to impose strict penalty to those involved in the illegal mining practices.

The illegal miners mostly carry out their activities in former mining sites of the state owned tin company PT Timah in the province. (*)