Weekly Digest: Who Will Enjoy Revised Mineral and Coal Law?
Summary
- The House of Representatives and the government continue talks on revised Mineral and Coal Bill despite the mounting controversies. Accusations arose over the alleged political motives behind the talks, which benefit some businesses in the coal mining industry.
- One of the main focuses in the discussion is the expansion of people's mining area rights from 25 hectares to 100 hectares. The plan poses an enormous risk of moral hazard, which may arise, among others, from the assignment of businesses to work on community mining areas.
- The revision bill will revoke the local government's authority in licensing, which will be transferred to the central government, including a license on community mining permits.