Bangka contributes 90 per cent to national tin production, according to Indonesia’s ministry of energy and mineral resources.
For years, tin mining in Bangka was done by state-owned enterprise PT Timah, but for more than a decade, illegal mining has been rampant.
Small-scale miners may mine in areas designated for other uses, such as protected forest areas or concessions of companies that are in the midst of being reclaimed.
“We know illegal mines are rampant – behind a school, near office buildings, so it’s everywhere,” said Langka.
“Estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) live near estuaries. They are not in the sea and not in deep rivers. The crocodiles will be disturbed when illegal mining is done near estuaries.”
Estuarine crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, are the largest of all crocodile species and can grow up to 7m in length and weigh almost 1,000kg.
They are very sensitive to sound, said Langka.
“If there are many illegal mining (sites), the sounds will make them feel stressed, and they will try to fight or migrate.
“Sometimes they attack the illegal miners or migrate downstream, but when they find a new place, there are already other crocodiles.”
