ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE: IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL SCALE TIN MINING UNDER INDONESIA’S NEW MINERAL AND COAL REGULATION

Abstract

The transformation of mining law policy in Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Minerals and Coal has broad implications for mining, including illegal tin mining. The high dependence of the tin extractive economy in Bangka Belitung has changed the landscape of this archipelago province as an area with environmental damage and social disasters. This research was conducted using socio-legal method to gain a comprehensive comprehension related to the environmental and social impacts of illegal tin mining after the amendment of the mineral and coal law. The results of this research showed that the transition of mining authority from the central government to the local government has direct impacts on illegal mining activities. Substantive changes in the mineral and coal law are not strategic solution as the ongoing power struggle results in the persistent allocation of authority for community mining permits to local governments. Meanwhile, the unpreparedness of local governments has resulted in the unresolved marginalization of mining communities and widespread environmental damages. The lack of fair decision-making processes for mining licenses is indicative of ineffective tin mining management in Bangka Belitung. The results of this research can be used as a reference and consideration in the formulation of strategic policy to promote ideal and sustainable tin mining ecosystem.

Keywords

• injustice
• small scale tin mining
• mineral and coal regulation