Jambi police destroy equipment at illegal gold mine

indonesianupdates.com_admin

2 hours ago

Bungo, Jambi (ANTARA) – Police in Bungo District, Jambi Province, destroyed equipment used for illegal gold mining along the Batang Tebo River in Sungai Ipuh Village, authorities said on Sunday.

Bungo Police Spokesperson First Inspector Bambang Juli Mandala said officers raided the illegal mining site late Saturday afternoon after receiving reports of unlawful mining activity.

“When officers arrived, the miners had fled and operations had stopped. However, the joint team secured various pieces of equipment,” Bambang said.

During the raid, officers seized a gold-filtering mat, a miners’ temporary shelter, and a 1,000-liter fuel tank.

Bambang said officers destroyed all the equipment at the site to prevent miners from resuming illegal operations in the area.

“All the evidence was destroyed by burning it at the scene,” he said.

The raid was conducted jointly by Bungo police officers and personnel from the local police precinct.

Bambang said police would step up river patrols and enforcement against illegal mining activities that threaten local ecosystems.

“Bungo Police will conduct regular monitoring and enforcement to punish violations and preserve the environment in Bungo District,” he said.

Unlicensed gold mining along the Batang Tebo River has raised growing concern among residents and authorities over environmental degradation and water contamination.