Indonesian state-owned tin mining company Timah is confident of achieving its 2025 production goal of 21,500 tonnes (t) despite a challenging first half of the year, reported Reuters.
The report quoted Timah’s chief executive, Restu Widiyantoro, as saying during a parliamentary session that the company’s efforts to curb illegal mining would help achieve the targets.
In the first half of this year, the company reported a 32% decrease in tin ore output, amounting to 6,997t, and a 29% decline in refined tin production to 6,870t.
Timah attributed the declines to illegal mining competition, adverse weather conditions and delays in new mine developments.
Restu highlighted the establishment of a task force aimed at tackling illegal mining activities in the key regions of Bangka and Belitung Islands.
This initiative is also set to target intermediaries involved in the trade of illegally mined ore.
Indonesia, said to be the second-largest global producer of tin after China, frequently faces challenges related to illegal mining operations.
The country’s government is fighting illegal tin production by imposing mandatory trading of refined tin through exchanges to ensure traceability.
In March, the Indonesian Mining Association urged the government to reconsider its plan to increase royalty rates for mining products because miners face rising operational costs and tight cash flows.
This was in response to the Indonesian Government’s plans to increase royalties paid by mining companies to improve industry governance.
