Indonesia targets bauxite miners with heavy penalties over processing setbacks

Indonesia is tightening oversight of its downstream mineral policy after several bauxite miners failed to complete refining projects required under national regulations. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) said a number of companies had been penalised for not proceeding with smelter and processing plant construction linked to Indonesia’s push for value-added mineral production.

Speaking during a hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno said the penalties imposed on some operators reached as high as USD 10 million. He confirmed that more than one company had been sanctioned but did not