15 May 2025
Water management has emerged as a key indicator of corporate sustainability amid growing pressures from climate change and industrial expansion. This is especially critical in the mining sector and its downstream, which is characterized by high water consumption and significant potential for environmental impact.
Harita Nickel has recognized these challenges from the beginning as part of the nickel processing and refining ecosystem on Obi Island. In its 2024 Sustainability Report, the company recorded a total water withdrawal of 867,835 megaliters (ML), with 91% of that amount—or approximately 787,902 ML—sourced from seawater. This seawater is used to replace freshwater, especially for the cooling process of power plants.
In addition, 38,764 ML—or around 4% of the total water used—was sourced from rainwater collected within the operational area. This strategy reflects a proactive approach to reduce reliance on limited freshwater by using rainwater.
Beyond utilizing seawater and rainwater, Harita Nickel has also implemented a comprehensive water reuse strategy. More than 10 million cubic meters (m³) of water have been successfully recycled for various purposes, including sediment control and other operational needs.
To support effective sediment control, Harita Nickel has constructed and manages more than 52 sedimentation ponds within the Mining Business License (IUP) areas of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP) and PT Gane Permai Sentosa (GPS). These ponds are designed to capture sediment particles carried by mining activities before the water is discharged into the environment, per the government's regulated standard.
“Harita Nickel’s initiatives deserve recognition. When I first visited, the existing infrastructure was not yet optimal. However, during my most recent visit to Obi, I observed that they had built a significantly larger sediment pond compared to other nickel mines,” said Dr. Ir. Muhammad Sonny Abfertiawan, S.T., M.T., Lecturer and Researcher in Water and Wastewater Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
One of the largest sediment ponds is located at the Tuguraci 2 site, with a water retention capacity of 924,000 cubic meters and an area of approximately 42 hectares. The sedimentation process in this pond helps reduce water turbidity and ensures that the water quality meets the required standards, particularly for pH and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) parameters. This large pond is equipped with a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to ensure that the water that comes out meets quality standards. Daily monitoring is also carried out at licensed compliance points, and sediment material is regularly removed from the pond and placed in a former mine for reclamation. The treated water from this pond is also reused.
Daily monitoring is conducted at authorized discharge points, and when sediment levels reach 70% of the pond's capacity, dredging is performed to maintain the pond’s operational efficiency.
According to Sonny, the initial step in managing mining water is understanding its characteristics.
“Each mining operation has unique conditions. For example, two coal mines located close to each other may have different water qualities. One mine’s water is acidic and contains high levels of sulfides, while the other’s is not acidic. Therefore, it’s essential to assess both the volume and quality of the water to determine the most suitable treatment approach,” he explained.
Based on his research, Sonny highlighted that nickel mine water in Indonesia typically has a neutral to alkaline pH (8-9), with most heavy metals suspended, making them relatively easy to settle. However, when dissolved metals such as Cr6 are present, special treatment is required, typically involving reduction using ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄).
To ensure that both mining water and treated wastewater meet the regulated standards, Harita Nickel has implemented a comprehensive water quality monitoring system. This system is aligned with SPARING (Continuous and Online Industrial Wastewater Quality Monitoring System) as outlined by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Additionally, the company conducts regular water quality testing through both its internal laboratories and accredited third-party labs.
Looking ahead, Harita Nickel remains committed to advancing innovations in water management, focusing on enhanced efficiency and environmental sustainability. These efforts are an integral part of the company’s long-term commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
With a dynamic and integrated approach, Harita Nickel underscores that sustainable water management is not only feasible but essential to ensuring the continued success of both the industry and the environment.
For more details on Harita Nickel’s sustainability initiatives and water management strategies, please refer to the 2024 Sustainability Report.
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