Mineral ore vessels stuck at ports

Mineral miners continue to complain about the inability of their mineral ore carrying vessels to leave various Indonesian ports for exports.

As previously reported, 15 bauxite ore vessels were stuck at the ports in West Kalimantan and Riau Islands, while nickel ore vessels were stuck at Central and Southeast Sulawesi ports as well as Maluku port. Kontan reported that at least three mineral ore vessels can not leave Indonesia from a number of ports as of May 10.

"Two mineral ore vessels are still being held in Kendari, Papua, while another vessel can not leave Tanjung Pinang," said Association of Indonesian Mining Entrepreneurs Chairman Poltak Sitanggang, adding that each of these vessels contains bauxite, iron and nickel ores with up to 50.000 tons of ore per vessel (Panamax).

"I can't understand why export of raw materials seem to be subjected to local exporter, there seem no guarantee that companies like Freeport is not exporting their raw minerals," he said.

Sub-directorate Head of Public Relation of the Directorate General of Customs Martediansyah stated that ore exports are currently under intensive supervision.

"Especially in key mineral ore ports such as Riau Islands, Tanjung Pinang, Papua and West Nusa Tenggara. Mineral ore vessels that contain copper, gold, silver, tin and lead, as well as chromium, molybdenum, platinum, bauxite, zinc, manganese, antimony, iron sand or iron ores would be subjected to stricter supervision," he said.(*)