Reclamation is mining?s biggest issue, says ICMA
Thursday, May 19 2016 - 01:42 PM WIB
The Indonesian Coal Mining Association (ICMA) said the current biggest problem facing many mining companies is the absence of reclamation measures of ex-mine pits that could further worsen the already tarnished image of mining firms.
?The biggest issue after investment (in mining) now is that many mining companies -- be it in East Kalimantan or Sumatra ? fail to fulfill their obligation on reclamation of ex-mine pits,? ICMA Chairman told a press conference on Thursday.
He warned mining players of big social impacts from failing to restore the used-mining pits.
?We (ICMA) are very concern with the issue. We discussed intensively the problem with the Director General (of Mineral and Coal) last week to seek solution,? he said.
ICMA has also discussed the reclamation projects with related official in local administrations.
?We are seeking solutions how to ensure the proper reclamation of former mining sites in the future,? he said.
Local media previously reported that a number of children were killed after drowning at ex-mine pits in East Kalimantan.
The 2014 Ministerial Regulation on requirements and guideline of reclamation and post-mining plans says the miners holding the IUP exploration mining license and the special IUPK exploration mining license are required to prepare reclamation plans before starting exploration activities.
The reclamation plan document must be submitted to the minister within 45 calendar days before the start of exploration activities.
After completing their feasibility studies, the miners are required to prepare five-year reclamation plan for production stage, and the post-mining plan.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak