Indonesia to clear query on ore export ban

Indonesia plans to make clear the level of smelting of mineral ores allowed to be exported before the ban on shipment of all crude mineral ores overseas comes into effect on Jan. 12, 2014, a minister said here on Thursday. Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa said that the country's Mining Law 2009 has not regulated the level of processing of the mining products for export. Hatta said he would ask for opinion of legal expert before he raises the issue for a final discussion in coming weeks. "The mineral law 2009 does not regulate the level of smelting. This must be regulated," said Hatta. He said the uncertainty over the percentage of the smelting was expected to be settled before the ban takes effect. Indonesia with vast natural resources aims to tap more benefit from mining sector by adding value of mineral ores before being exported. Since May 2012, the government has barred exportation of 65 mineral ores unless miners build smelter and pay a 20 percent export tax before the total ban kicks off.