Indonesia, Sept. 10 -- Sumbawa District Head H. Syarafuddin Jarot confirmed illegal mining in Lawang Tuwa, Lantung Subdistrict, West Nusa Tenggara Province, had been halted after an accident killed three people and injured six others.

"I came directly to the site to ensure the ban we issued was being enforced," he said during an inspection of the Lawang Tuwa mining area on Wednesday.

Jarot said illegal mining involved more than licensing and administrative issues, also posing risks to public safety and the environment.

He said the local government did not intend to deprive residents of their livelihoods. However, all mining must comply with the law, hold valid permits, meet safety standards and protect the environment.

"Residents may ...