Tin producers set up new association

Tin mining companies based in Bangka and Belitung province, the largest tin producer in the country, have established a new organization called the Association of Indonesian Tin Mining Companies (ATTI).

The association, which was officially inaugurated by the province?s governor Eko Maulana Ali on Tuesday, replaced the Indonesian Tin Association (ITA) which was set up last year by 28 tin mining and smelting firms last year.

ATTI?s president Hidayat Arsani said that the new organization would act as the government?s extended arm to help monitor mining operation and process mining permits. ?For an example, the association will help licensing for a registered exporter,? he said, adding that the exporters should obtain a recommendation from the association to be able to extend their permits.

Meanwhile, the association?s spokesman Elli Rebuin said that the association would also conduct an inventory on the people?s tin miners and smelters in the province. ?The association will also help the certification to meet employment and environmental requirements,? he added.

?The association will also lobby banks to provide loans up to Rp 50 billion to help the people?s miners,? he added.

The previous organization ITA which was set up by 28 tin mining and smelting firms, has been marred by an internal conflict to a different perception among its members on the organization?s mission and vision.

The association was first established to help prop up falling tin prices in the world market by asking its members to conduct a moratorium both in production. Many of its members, however, opposed the moratorium.(*)