| dc.description.abstract | This study examines gold mining in Meulaboh, Aceh, by the Dutch private company N.V.
Marsman’s Algemeene Exploratie Maatschappij, which took place from 1939 to 1941.
The aim of this research is to explain the background of gold mining in Meulaboh,
describe the gold mining activities in the region, and explain the gold production results
from the mining operations in Meulaboh. This research uses a historical method
consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The data
was obtained through archival studies at the National Archives of the Republic of
Indonesia, online archive sites, and literature studies. The research findings indicate that
by the end of 1939, N.V. Marsman’s Algemeene Exploratie Maatschappij had
successfully identified that the Meulaboh region had the potential to be developed further
for exploitation. As a result, the company obtained an exploitation license for the
Geudong concession area and began mining activities. This mining operation produced
gold in the form of dore bars, both fine and coarse gold, which came from alluvial
deposits around the Woyla River. The operation utilized dredging ships and involved
hundreds of workers, including local and foreign laborers, supervisors, and foreign
experts. The mining production in Meulaboh not only resulted in gold, amounting to tens
of kilograms over two years of operation, but also yielded other mineral materials such
as platinum and silver. Gold mining in Meulaboh during the period 1939-1941
demonstrates that the region had promising alluvial gold deposits that attracted foreign
investors as part of a colonial strategy to exploit the natural resources in Aceh. This was
reflected in the success of N.V. Marsman’s Algemeene Exploratie Maatschappij in
acquiring the exploration license, proceeding to the initial exploration phase, dredging
alluvial deposits, processing the material, and extracting gold, platinum, and silver. | en_US |
