Building a sustainable mining industry requires more than innovation at operational sites—it also depends on sharing knowledge with the next generation. Through its Harita Mengajar (Harita Teaches) programme, Harita Nickel brought its industry experts to leading universities to share practical insights, promote responsible mining practices, and strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.
The roadshow visited IPB University, Trisakti University, and Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). Through guest lectures and interactive discussions, students gained insights into various aspects of the nickel industry, including environmental management, mining and nickel processing innovations, and the role of chemistry in supporting the global energy transition.
The programme began at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University. Retno Dewi Handayani, Vice President of Environmental Green Mining at Harita Nickel, shared the company's experience in biodiversity conservation and environmental management across its operations. Her presentation covered post-mining land reclamation, the development of Loji Central Nursery as a dedicated plant nursery supporting reclamation efforts, and ongoing monitoring of flora, fauna, and aquatic ecosystems.
Retno also highlighted Harita Nickel's innovation in utilising nickel slag as a soil ameliorant, which has been certified under the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 9420:2025). The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between industry and academia can drive more effective and responsible reclamation practices.
"Through well-planned, data-driven environmental management, we want to demonstrate that mining and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Academic forums like this provide an excellent platform to exchange knowledge while discussing both the challenges and opportunities of environmental management in the mining sector," said Retno.
The roadshow continued at the Faculty of Earth Technology and Energy, Trisakti University. Speaking to around 80 students, Iwan Syahroni, Executive Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Harita Nickel, introduced the company's integrated nickel value chain—from mining operations and processing through Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) and High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) technologies to the company's broader sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, solar power utilisation, coal dome facilities, and achievements in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.
"Today's mining industry requires professionals who not only possess strong technical capabilities but also have a solid understanding of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and good governance. That is why collaboration with universities is essential to preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future mining industry," Iwan said.
The final session was held at the Chemistry Study Programme, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), under the theme Global Energy Transition: The Role of Chemistry and the Next Generation in Sustainable Mining. Iwan explained the critical role of chemistry in nickel processing through HPAL technology, highlighting its application in process optimisation, product quality control, water and waste management, and emissions control.
"The global energy transition presents tremendous opportunities for Indonesia's younger generation to contribute through a wide range of disciplines. We hope students will recognise that modern mining depends on cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver innovations that support sustainable development," he added.
Through the Harita Mengajar roadshow, Harita Nickel continues to strengthen partnerships with universities while introducing responsible mining practices to future professionals. By bringing its experts into the classroom, the company demonstrates its commitment to knowledge sharing, inspiring future industry talent, and supporting the development of a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving needs of Indonesia's nickel industry.