The Indonesian government has told miners they will be permitted to continue shipping copper, iron ore, lead, zinc and anode mud from copper concentrates, delaying the commencement of export bans for a further 12 months to allow completion of domestic processing facilities.
Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif told the Indonesian parliament relaxing bans that were to have started in June will allow completion of smelter developments that have been delayed by COVID disruptions, Reuters reports.
Approvals will be conditional on payment of export duties and the proponents having their smelter developments at least 50% complete.
The June 2023 export ban will continue for bauxite, despite protests by the Indonesian Bauxite and Iron Ore Companies Association.