The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), through the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, is embarking on an initiative to reauction eight areas of mineral and coal mining business licenses (WIUP).
This endeavor aims to optimize the utilization of these resources while fostering responsible mining practices. These eight blocks represent a diverse range of mineral deposits, including gold, copper, galena, nickel, iron ore, and coal.
The reauction encompasses Lolayan Block, Taludaa Block, Pasiang Block, Pumlanga Block, Ulu Rawas Block, Bayung Lencir Block, Tumbang Nusa Block, and Natai Baru Block. Each of these blocks holds significant potential for extraction, contributing to both domestic and international demand for these valuable commodities.
For example, Lolayan Block in Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, boasts a substantial gold reserve spanning 162.3 hectares. Similarly, Taludaa Block in Bone Bolango, Gorontalo, presents an opportunity for copper mining across 3,714 hectares. Meanwhile, Pasiang Block in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, offers access to galena resources covering 1,867.7 hectares.
Moving beyond metals, Pumlanga Block in East Halmahera, North Maluku, represents a significant nickel deposit spread over 3,715 hectares. Additionally, Ulu Rawas Block in North Musi Rawas, South Sumatra, holds promise for iron ore extraction across 6,707 hectares. Complementing these mineral reserves are three coal blocks: Bayung Lencir Block in Musi Banyuasin, South Sumatra (11,290 hectares), Tumbang Nusa Block in Kapuas, Central Kalimantan (7,169 hectares), and Natai Baru Block in East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan (6,674 hectares).
The reauction process will unfold over several stages, including the announcement of the auction plan from March 28 to April 23, 2024. Prospective bidders will have until April 19, 2024, to submit their applications, followed by registration and document submission on April 24-26, 2024.