MEDAN | The issue of illegal gold mining cannot be resolved solely through enforcement and law enforcement measures. The government needs to develop solutions that provide legal certainty while allowing mining communities to earn a livelihood legally and responsibly.

This was stated by Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T., an expert in mining policy and a lecturer in Mining Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). He made the remarks during an informal weekend discussion held at the Mining Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, USU, amid increasingly proactive government efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities, which often affect small-scale miners who depend on mining to meet their basic needs.

According to Heri, the government should consider granting permits to communities that have been carrying out gold mining activities illegally by designating specific areas that can be officially managed.

“Every miner should be given a permit to manage mining activities within a designated area. They should then receive guidance and training so that mining can be conducted safely, systematically, and with proper consideration for environmental protection,” Heri said.

He explained that illegal gold mining is a complex issue. Beyond legal considerations, these activities are closely linked to people's economic needs, employment opportunities, occupational safety, and environmental impacts.

Therefore, Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T. said the government needs to shift its approach from simply cracking down on illegal miners toward organizing, formalizing, and developing small-scale mining communities.

“If mining activities are merely shut down without providing an alternative solution, they are likely to reappear. Communities need certainty regarding their working areas and legal status so they can work legally,” he said.

Mining Companies and Universities Urged to Get Involved

Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T. also encouraged mining companies and universities to become actively involved in supporting and developing small-scale mining communities.

He explained that mining companies could provide technical assistance, while universities could contribute scientific expertise and mining technology.

“Mining companies and universities can serve as development and training partners. Communities should not simply be left on their own after receiving permits. They need to be equipped with knowledge of mining techniques, occupational safety, mineral processing, and environmental management,” he explained.

He emphasized that university involvement is important because mining requires technical expertise to ensure that operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

Universities, he added, can provide assistance in areas such as geological mapping, mine planning, slope stability assessment, occupational safety, mine water management, and land reclamation.

Legal Status Must Come with Environmental Responsibility

Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T. stressed that granting permits to small-scale miners does not mean the government should allow mining activities to operate without oversight.

Instead, legal status must be accompanied by obligations to comply with safety standards and environmental management requirements.

“Legalization should not simply mean granting permission to mine. There must also be obligations to protect the environment, manage waste, carry out reclamation, and comply with safety standards,” he said.

He hopes the government can establish a small-scale mining management system involving communities, government agencies, mining companies, and universities.

Under such an approach, activities that have traditionally operated illegally could be transformed into formal small-scale mining operations with clearly defined working areas, legal permits, technical guidance, and effective oversight.

From Illegal Mining to Formal Small-Scale Mining

Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T. believes that the ultimate goal in addressing illegal gold mining should not simply be to stop illegal operations, but to transform them into better-organized and more responsible small-scale mining activities.

“What we want is not merely to eliminate illegal mining, but to ensure that people who have been working in this sector can become part of a legal, safe, productive, and responsible mining system,” he said.

According to him, this approach could provide a middle ground between the state's responsibility to manage mineral resources, communities' economic needs, business interests, and environmental protection.

“Communities are given legal status, the government provides oversight, companies provide training and support, and universities contribute scientific expertise. If all parties work together, the issue of illegal gold mining can be addressed in a more comprehensive manner,” concluded Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T.