Policy to ban mineral ore exports next year remains in place: Vice Minister
Thursday, August 29 2013 - 09:47 AM WIB
Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Susilo Siswoutomo said Thursday the government has not changed its policy of banning mineral ore exports starting next year.
The recently-introduced ?relaxation policy? that allows mining companies to export their mineral ores is only effective through the end of this year.
?I would thus like to emphasize that mineral oil export relaxation policy is only valid for this year. (Under the relaxation policy), the Mining Permit (IUP) holders are allowed to export their mineral ores,? he told the press.
?Once the year 2013 is over, they are not allowed to export mineral ores as stipulated by the law,? he added.
Mineral and Coal Law No. 4/2009 bans the exports of mineral ores starting Jan. 12, 2014.
Until recently, mining companies were allowed to export mineral ores based on quotas set by the government. The ministry, through ?the relaxation policy?, recently removed the limits in order to boost the national dollar revenue amid the sharp depreciation of the rupiah.
Director General of Minerals and Coal Thamrin Sihite confirmed that the plan to ban mineral ore exports starting next year remains in place.
?Don?t misunderstand the (relaxation) policy. We remain committed to disallow the exports of raw material starting next year,? he said.
Editing by Johannes Simbolon