Illegal Tin Mining Devastates Bangka Coast Fishery, Fishermen Demand Halt

Illegal tin mining activities in Teluk Kelabat, Bangka Barat, Indonesia, have caused severe damage to the fishery ecosystem, prompting local fishermen to demand a halt to operations. Last June, the Teluk Kelabat Fishermen Lovers Forum urged the government to permanently cease illegal tin mining activities in the Teluk Kelabat area, which have reportedly been ongoing for a long time in fishermen's fishing grounds. Approximately 100 pontoons are reportedly operating in the area. The mining activities have impacted thousands of fishermen in 12 villages in Bangka Barat and Bangka Induk Regencies. These impacts include the destruction of mangroves and coral reefs, disruption of fishing routes, and the narrowing of fishing areas. Consequently, catch yields have significantly declined. Since illegal mining became rampant in recent years, fishermen's incomes have dropped by 60-70%. "If we used to fish from morning to afternoon, we could get one fiber. But after it was damaged by suction dredgers and pontoons, these fish cannot breed," said one fisherman. Fishermen suspect PT Timah is behind the operation of these illegal mines. However, PT Timah, while admitting to having mining permits (IUP) for the area, denies involvement in operating the hundreds of illegal pontoons. A company representative stated, "We (since) 2022 have not had mining in those three IUPs, because it is related to the zero mining zone," as per a video recording sent by fishermen to Mongabay. Upon hearing this explanation, the Speaker of the Bangka Belitung Islands Provincial DPRD requested the police and relevant agencies to conduct a crackdown. Based on Regional Regulation No. 3 of 2020 concerning the Zoning Plan for Coastal Areas and Small Islands (RZWP3K), Teluk Kelabat is designated as a zone for ports, capture fisheries, and tourism. The area is a "zero mining zone." Source: Mongabay Indonesia