The Association of Indonesian Tin Exporters (AETI), which currently represents 20 independent Indonesian tin producers and smelters, has reported that it is working with NGOs, led by Apple Inc., to develop a series of pilot projects aimed at rehabilitating abandoned mining areas in the Bangka Belitung and Riau Islands provinces.
Speaking at the ITRI China International Tin Forum in Shanghai, the president of AETI, Mr Jabin Sufianto, announced that the pilot projects will involve reclamation of exhausted mining areas for use as plantations, providing an alternative source of income to mining for locals. However, Mr Sufianto also suggested that many tin producers lack the resources to tackle environmental and sustainability issues comprehensively because of high production costs combined with low current tin prices.
AETI reported that 37 exporters were active in Indonesia in 2014, with total tin exports for the year totalling 76,986 tonnes. However, largely as a result of the current low tin prices, the number of active exporters in 2015 has decreased to 22 and total tin exports from the country during the year are expected to fall to between 65,000 to 78,000 tonnes of tin. A tin production quota of 2,500 tpm between AETI members was agreed earlier this year in an attempt to bolster prices, but its successful implementation is uncertain as there is currently no consensus on how the allotted production will be shared. Additionally, the quota is not bound by law and the AETI has no power to enforce it.
In 2015, AETI plans to manage CSR activity on behalf of its members and continue work with NGOs to develop sustainable, environmentally friendly mine practises and organise remediation work, which remain key goals for the organisation.
