Indonesia to ban export of unprocessed ores from 06 May 2012

Recent Indonesian press reports state that the Indonesian authorities are set to impose a ban on shipping unrefined mined products (including but not limited to bauxite, nickel, iron ore, iron sand, manganese) via Ministry Regulation No. 7 year 2012, effective 6 May 2012.

There is uncertainty at this time as to how the ban will be implemented and its short and long term impact on the trade.

The current situation could potentially mean owners loading/waiting to load or sailing towards/fixed to load unrefined mined products in Indonesia could find difficulties arising with the Indonesian authorities.

Urgent clarification is being sought as to the level of prohibition of the Indonesian mining community and the trade in shipping unrefined mined products. In the meantime, we urge members to exercise caution, for example by checking with contractual partners that shippers are in possession of valid permits to export cargo in accordance with the new regulation.