Best Mining Law Lawyers in Bali

Mining permits in Bali depend on the material, site and project stage

Mining and minerals law in Bali concerns more than obtaining an extraction permit. A project may also need to satisfy land, spatial-planning, environmental and operational requirements, which depend on the mineral, location and scale of the activity.

Quarrying stone, sand or other non-metal minerals can raise different licensing questions from exploring for or producing metal minerals. In Bali, the proposed site also needs careful review against applicable provincial and local spatial plans, including restrictions affecting protected areas, watersheds, coastal zones and tourism landscapes.

Some mining-sector licensing authority is delegated to provincial governments under Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2022. The responsible authority depends on the permit and mineral involved, so applicants should confirm the current allocation before applying.

When a mining and minerals lawyer may be useful

• Before choosing a site: A lawyer can help check whether the proposed area is compatible with spatial planning and whether land access, customary interests or environmental constraints may prevent the project.
• When applying for a permit: Legal advice can help identify the appropriate licence for exploration, production or specified rock-mining activities and prepare for applications through the relevant government system.
• When a permit is delayed or challenged: Counsel can review the application record, respond to agency requests and advise on available administrative remedies.
• When local residents or customary communities object: A lawyer can advise on consultation, land rights and dispute-resolution options. Community engagement does not replace required permits or environmental approvals.
• When buying or investing in a mining business: Due diligence can examine licence status, site boundaries, outstanding obligations, environmental approvals and risks attached to the proposed transaction.
• When facing an inspection or enforcement action: A lawyer can assess alleged permit or environmental breaches and help prepare a response to regulators.

Key Indonesian laws and regulations

Law No. 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining is the central mining statute. It was amended by Law No. 3 of 2020 and further amended by Law No. 2 of 2025, promulgated on 19 February 2025. The current text and implementing rules should be checked for the specific permit and activity.

Government Regulation No. 96 of 2021 sets rules for implementing mineral and coal mining business activities. It was amended by Government Regulation No. 25 of 2024. These rules address matters including licensing and mining operations.

Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, as amended, and Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 provide the wider environmental framework. Projects may need an environmental approval and an assessment or management document, depending on their likely impacts and scale.

Spatial-planning rules also matter in Bali. A mining permit should not be treated as confirmation that a site is suitable under the applicable provincial or regency spatial plan.

Frequently asked questions

What does mining and minerals law cover in Bali?

It covers permits and obligations for activities such as mineral exploration, extraction and processing. A project may also involve environmental approval, spatial planning, land access and compliance with operational conditions.

Do I need a permit to extract stone or sand?

Commercial extraction generally requires the applicable mining-sector authorization, but the correct permit depends on the material and activity. Confirm the classification and current licensing route with the responsible authority before work begins.

Does owning or leasing land give me the right to mine it?

No. Land ownership or a lease does not by itself grant mineral rights or permission to extract minerals. Mining authorization, spatial compatibility and environmental requirements must be assessed separately.

Which authority handles a mining licence in Bali?

Responsibility depends on the type of permit and mineral. Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2022 delegates some licensing authority to provincial governments, so confirm whether the application belongs with the provincial government or the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Can a foreign investor apply for a mining licence?

Eligibility depends on the permit type and the applicable investment and company rules. Foreign investors commonly need an appropriately structured Indonesian business entity, and should obtain advice on eligibility before committing funds or acquiring project rights.

What approvals might be needed besides a mining permit?

Depending on the project, requirements may include environmental approval, spatial-planning conformity, business licensing and lawful access to the site. The specific documents depend on the activity, location and anticipated impacts.

How long does a mining licence application take?

There is no single reliable timeline for every application. Processing can depend on completeness, technical review, environmental requirements and the responsible authority; ask for a project-specific estimate after the permit route is confirmed.

How much does it cost to hire a mining lawyer?

Lawyer fees are not set by a single standard tariff and vary with the scope, urgency and complexity of the work. Request a written fee proposal that separates legal fees from government charges, technical studies and other project costs.

Can an existing permit be transferred when a mining business is sold?

A sale of shares or assets does not necessarily mean that a mining authorization can be transferred freely. The transaction may require regulatory review, approvals or updates, so check the permit conditions and current rules before signing.

What can I do if a permit application is refused?

First obtain the written decision and identify its legal and factual grounds. A lawyer can assess whether correction, reconsideration or an administrative challenge is available and check any applicable filing deadline.

Can a mining project proceed if local residents object?

Objections do not automatically determine whether a project is legally permitted, but they can raise important issues involving land rights, consultation, environmental impacts or compliance. A lawyer can help identify the issues and appropriate engagement or dispute-resolution steps.

Official resources in Bali and Indonesia

• Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources: The national ministry responsible for energy and mineral resources policy and relevant mining-sector functions.
• Bali Provincial Office of Energy and Mineral Resources: The provincial government office to contact about mining-sector matters handled at provincial level and the applicable local process.
• Online Single Submission (OSS): The Indonesian government’s risk-based business licensing system, used for relevant business licensing applications and information.

Steps to find and hire a mining and minerals lawyer

1. Define the work. Write down the mineral, proposed site, project stage and immediate issue, such as licensing, land access, a transaction or an enforcement notice. This can be done before contacting lawyers.
2. Gather the records. Collect maps, land documents, company records, permits, agency correspondence and environmental documents. Allow a few days to assemble a useful initial file.
3. Shortlist relevant lawyers. Look for Indonesian advocates who handle mining, environmental, land or administrative matters, and ask about their experience with Bali projects and the relevant permit type.
4. Arrange initial consultations. Speak with two or three candidates if practical. Ask who will handle the work, which authorities are involved and what additional technical advisers may be needed.
5. Compare written proposals. Review the scope, deliverables, fee basis, disbursements and exclusions. Clarify whether the quote covers agency meetings, document preparation, negotiations or any challenge to a decision.
6. Check for conflicts and agree terms. Confirm that the lawyer can act, agree on communication and payment arrangements, and sign an engagement letter before sending original documents or authorizing work.