Class C mining companies urged to apply for permits
An integrated team from the North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov) has halted illegal mining activities at 13 locations: 11 in the Galang district, Deliserdang Regency, and two in the Serdangbedagai Regency (Sergai).
All mining operators were requested to cease their activities and apply for a permit immediately if they wish to operate legally.
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The action targeted Class C sand mining along the Ular River. The joint team went directly to the site to provide guidance, supervision, and monitoring, and to send warning letters to the mining operators who were still operating without a permit.
The integrated team consists of the Department of Industry, Trade, Energy and Mining of North Sumatra (Perindag ESDM), the Department of Environment and Forestry of North Sumatra (LHK), the Department of Transport of North Sumatra, the Department of Investments and Integrated Services of North Sumatra (DPMPTSP), the Public Order Agency of North Sumatra (Satpol PP), the District Government of Deliserdang, and other relevant agencies.
The head of the Department of Industry, Trade, Energy and Mining of North Sumatra (Perindag ESDM), Dedi Jaminsyah Putra Harahap, stated that the enforcement action was a follow-up to the directive of the Governor of North Sumatra to regulate mining activities to ensure they comply with laws and regulations and to prevent damage to the environment or infrastructure.
“Today, we are working with the integrated team to provide guidance, supervision, and monitoring of mining activities in the Galang district. The goal is to ensure that all companies obtain their mining permits in a timely and legal manner,” said Dedi.
According to Dedi, illegal mining activities have various negative consequences, ranging from environmental damage to road damage caused by the high mobility of transport vehicles.
“We must stop illegal activities. They cause a lot of damage, from environmental damage to damaged roads. Therefore, good mining management through clear permits is necessary,” he said.
Dedi emphasized that the provincial government of North Sumatra not only enforces regulations but also offers opportunities to companies wishing to operate legally through the permit procedure, in accordance with applicable regulations.
“We shut down illegal activities, but we will support those applying for a permit. Our goal is not to shut down companies, but to ensure that all mining activities are carried out in accordance with regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Heri Wahyudi Marpaung, head of the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency, stated that environmental conditions at various mining sites in the Galang district are concerning.
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Field inspections reveal that most mining sites do not meet the requirements for obtaining environmental permits as stipulated in the applicable regulations.
“The conditions are very concerning and do not meet the requirements for obtaining environmental permits. Therefore, this enforcement is an important step to encourage companies to comply with the prescribed environmental documentation,” said Heri.
He added that all mining activities must comply with the environmental documentation as stipulated in Regulation No. 4 of 2021 of the Minister of Environment and Forestry to prevent further environmental damage in the future. ***rel
