In Jakarta, Indonesia’s determined stride towards supporting its flourishing mining industry is clearly evident through the recent announcement made by Dimas Abdillah, Director of Indonesia Miner. During the kickoff of Indonesia Miner 2024 in the capital city, Dimas highlighted the Indonesian government’s move to prolong the export licenses for concentrate and anode mud up to the end of December 2024 as a significant bolster to the sector. “The government is undoubtedly backing our sector,” Dimas commented, signaling a positive outlook for the mining industry’s future.
The decision to extend the export permits was warmly received by industry insiders like Dimas, who view it as a strategic support to maintain the industry’s productivity. According to him, this extension is a lifesaver for the production levels as the country gears up to complete the necessary smelter facilities essential for processing the concentrates. “Given the possibility of the smelters not being fully ready to accommodate all the concentrate produced, it’s better to extend the exports than face production losses,” Dimas explained, underlining the practicality of the government’s decision.
This extension was formalized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through the enactment of Regulation Number 6 of 2024, which Agus Cahyono Adi, the Head of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry, detailed. He stated, “This regulation allows businesses that are in the commissioning phase of refining or smelter constructions to continue exporting anode sludge and processed concentrate till December 31, 2024.”
Supporting the continuation of production and advancement towards industrial downstreaming as instructed by President Joko Widodo, this extension is aimed at significantly contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Complementing this, the Ministry of Trade also made amendments to the Trade Ministerial Regulation Number 22 of 2023 by introducing Regulation Number 10 of 2024. This amendment postponed the export ban from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, for several categories including laterite iron concentrate, copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and lead concentrate, alongside anode mud. Further adjustments were made through the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 11 of 2024, easing the exporting protocols for these commodities until the specified date.
The proactive steps taken by the Indonesian government exemplify its commitment to not only nurturing the domestic mining industry but also ensuring its competitiveness on the global stage. This regulatory support is a testament to Indonesia’s dedication to safeguarding its key economic sectors and its strategic position in the global commodities market.
