Underground mining regulation to be issued soon

The government has completed the drafting of a presidential decree that will regulate underground explroation activities in forest areas.

Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan said on Thursday that the draft presidential decree was ready for issuance "by the end of this year."

The decree will allows underground exploration provided that it does not cause damage to forests.

Aside from mining exploration, the decree also applies to exploration for geothermal resources, which are mostly located in conservation areas. (*)