The Energy and
Mineral Resources Ministry said that it would continue its clean and
clear program despite the criticism from the newly established mining
association Aspperda that the mining audit activity violated the power
of the local governments, Kontan reported on Friday.
Dede I
Suhendar, the director for mining at the ministry, said in Jakarta on
Thursday the clean and clear program would not overstep the local
governments autonomy as it was conducted only to ensure that all
mining operations in the country comply with the mining law.
Dede
said that the clean and clear program conducted as part of the
governments program to audit all the mining permits since last year was
needed in order resolve overlapping mining areas.
"If the
clean and clear program is not conducted, the mess at the mining sector
will continue because there are often more than two permits issued on
the same mining area," he said.
The
newly established association of local mining companies (Aspperda) said
earlier that the central governments clean and clear program carried
out through the ministry oversteps the authority of the local
governments, which issued the mining permits.
According
to the ministry, only a half of 10,780 holders of mining permits have
obtained a clean and clear status. The status is needed to allow mining
companies to carry out their exploration works. Miners which have
already in operation should also obtain a clean and clear status in
order to be able to apply for export permits.
source www.petromindo.com
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