Inp.polri.go.id - Pontianak. Illegal gold mining operations involving Chinese nationals in West Kalimantan have caused state losses amounting to Rp 1.02 trillion due to the depletion of 774.27 kg of gold and 937.7 kg of silver reserves. , according to the West Kalimantan Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Pipit Rismanto. 

The case involved a Chinese national, identified as YH, who was caught running an illegal gold mine in Ketapang Regency, according to antaranews.com.

YH was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rp 50 billion, with an additional six-month imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

Illegal mining also poses severe environmental threats, especially due to the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury, which risk contaminating major rivers, including the Kapuas River, affecting communities dependent on them.

“We will continue to take firm action against illegal mining activities,” Chief Pipit stated, urging all involved to obtain proper permits to comply with regulations.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)\