Regency plans to terminate 7 mining licenses

The Solok Selatan regency administration in West Sumatra is planning to terminate the licenses of seven mining companies since their exploration permits expire this year, Antara news agency reported on Thursday.

Regency?s energy and mineral resources office head Amril Bakri said the regency has consulted with the province?s governor on its plan to terminate the seven companies? licenses.

?In order to terminate the licenses, the regent has consulted with the governor since the right to issue mining licenses now lies with the provincial administration. Besides, we have reported the seven companies to the South Sumatra Provincial Investment Coordinating Board,? Amril said.

The seven companies are PT Visi Utama Mandiri, which has a license to mine iron ore in Sangir Balai Janggo, PT Famili Minera Sejahtera in Pauh Duo (iron ore), PT Kratasa Mulia in Sangir Batanghari, PT Dwi Artha Prima in Pauh Duo (base metal), PT Panca Jangkar Sejati in Koto Parik Gadang Diateh, CV Sarantau Karya in Sangir Batanghari (base metal) and PT Persada Indo Tambang in Sangir Balai Janggo (iron ore)

Aside from the seven companies, there are 28 IUP mining license holders in the regency. However, all of the firms have no activities, nor submit quarterly and yearly reports to the regency administration, but ask for their licenses to be extended. The 28 firms want to mine gold, iron ore, copper, galena and other base metals in the regency. (*)