History of Mineral Exploration and Discovery in Indonesia
The
devastation of World War II, and post-Independence fighting, virtually
destroyed the mining industry, a situation exacerbated by the nationalization
of all foreign enterprises between 1957 to 1960 such that by 1966 production of
most metals had fallen to below pre-war levels.
In
1967, changes were introduced in Indonesia, and the New Order Government , to
encourage foreign investment. Critical in this regard was the introduction of a
Foreign Capital Investment Law and a complete revision of the Mining Law. Under
these new laws, foreign investment was encouraged in the mining sector under what
is known as the Contract of work system which is a comprehensive arrangement
for development of mineral properties. Consequently, there has been a major
resurgence of mining activity in Indonesia.
Mining History
West
Java currently has a single commercial operating gold mine at Gunung Ponkor
(6Mt @ 17g/t) and an advanced esploitation project at Ciemas (Mekathara
Minerals). Other known areas of previous mining and exploration include
Cikotok, Cikondang (PT Aneka Tambang), and Jampang (Mispec Resources Inc.).
Traditionally, mining by local people, PT Aneka Tambang and the Dutch has
concentrated on high grade quartz or sulphide veins containing gold. Within the
jampang area local people pan for gold from alluvial terraces in the Cidadap
River area and also from creeks near Waluran. In addition, hard rock mining by
local people is undertaken at several localities.

Picture
1. Location Of Significant Mineral Deposits
Gold
Facts: · Annual production of 92 tones (3 million
oz.), 7th world
·
Increase of 24% from
last year
·
Current domestic
consumption about 120 tones, 6th world
·
Consumption exceeds
production by 34%