Mining Sector and Post-Mining Reclamation

The photo is taken from here

Among the mining sector, coal is the largest mining product in Indonesia and even ranks third at the world level. In 2021 coal production was recorded at 576 million tons and it is projected that there will be only a slight decline in 2024, which is to 570 million tons. This coal is also the largest source of state income after Indonesia's oil can no longer be exported because production runs out for domestic consumption and even less so that it has to become an oil importer. But in the long term the future of coal is bleak as its use is increasingly restricted due to climate concerns. Countries that have ratified the Paris agreement have committed to reducing fossil fuels, especially coal with concrete steps, namely not building new coal power plants, cofiring with renewable energy at coal power plants, converting coal power plants into 100% biomass power plants (fulfiring) and closing a number of coal power plants and replace it with other renewable energy sources.

On the other hand, the post-mining activity also caused a lot of environmental damage, especially the land. Land damage will trigger natural disasters that endanger human life. Do not let the mining activities exploit its natural resources to the fullest but also leave natural damage that is no less severe. Of course this condition is very bad. The obligation of reclamation has also not been carried out properly, many even do not do it or just do it symbolically, imaging and mere formality while the purpose of reclamation itself is not achieved. The threat of a fine of 100 billion rupiah is also imposed for companies that ignore the reclamation to further encourage the reclamation activities.

According to Rizal Kasli, the general chairman of Perhapi (Indonesian Mining Experts Association), currently there are infrastructure and resource constraints (costs) in the implementation of the reclamation, namely for medium and small mining companies, for more details read here. This means that for large companies with large volumes of mining production there should be no obstacles, but stricter law enforcement is needed, according to Rizal Kasli. If large mining companies carry out reclamation properly, of course this is good and becomes an example for small and medium mining companies, but if the opposite happens, it will exacerbate environmental damage. Compensation or profit from the mining business should be in line and proportional to the improvement of the land or post-mining land (reclamation and rehabilitation).

The photo is taken from here

Why do a lot of mining companies generally ignore or neglect reclamation and post-mining land rehabilitation? In addition to the rules that are not strictly enforced, of course the problem is the cost. Mining companies have to spend a lot of money for the reclamation and rehabilitation of post-mining land, the costs depend on the conditions and the area of ​​the land. This of course burdens and reduces the profits of the mining company itself, causing reluctance. So even if reclamation and land rehabilitation are carried out, they are only symbolic, imaging and formality. This can be said to have no impact or achieve the goals of post-mining land reclamation and rehabilitation itself. 

Whereas the purpose of land reclamation and rehabilitation is one of the efforts to prepare fertile land for the future. So what if the reclamation turns out to be a profitable activity? This is certainly very interesting and motivating the mining companies. Bio-economy based reclamation and rehabilitation projects will be able to provide benefits for mining companies that do so. With these benefits, the land reclamation and rehabilitation program will be able to run well and sustainably, so that the entire post-mining area can be touched. We are currently developing a bioeconomic program for the post-mining land reclamation and rehabilitation, for more detailed information please contact us at cakbentra@gmail.com