North Sumatra Holds Indonesia's Largest Gold Reserves

INTERNATIONAL, RBTVDISWAY.ID - Indonesia is indeed rich in minerals, one of which is gold. gold mining in Indonesia began over a thousand years ago with the arrival of immigrants from China.

However, its production was underdeveloped, as it consisted of small-scale mines operated by local people or individuals.

In modern times, the Indonesian gold mining industry began to develop during the Dutch colonial era.

In 1850, the Dutch East Indies government established an office for geological investigation, management, and exploration of mineral resources, the Dienst van hen Mijnwezen, in Weltevreden, Batavia.

Through this institution, the scope of geological investigation and mining eventually expanded to encompass all corners of the archipelago.

Then, in October 1950, Colonial Government Regulation No. 45 was issued, prohibiting the granting of permits for the excavation of land containing gold or other minerals to parties other than Dutch nationals.

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Besides the Grasberg Mountains in Papua, the world's largest gold mine, there is also the Martabe gold mine in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra.

This location was discovered to contain gold deposits in 2008, with the start of gold mining construction there. Production is planned to last until 2033.

This work is in accordance with a work contract with the Indonesian government.

The mine area covers 1,303 square kilometers.

To support mining operations, supporting facilities have been established within the mine area.

These facilities are mostly located near the Trans-Sumatra highway.

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