24 August 2024
The lush sengon and sea pine trees provided a refreshing shade for Mokhamad Rifai and Bagas Nicolaus Saputra. In the scorching midday heat, the two were engaged in monitoring activities at the Komodo reclamation area owned by Harita Nickel. This 11.82-hectare area, previously a mining site, has now returned to a vibrant green, inhabited by a variety of wildlife.
Mokhamad Rifai, the Mine Reclamation Superintendent at Harita Nickel, stated that the reclamation activities in the mining area are part of the company's obligations, as outlined in the Mineral and Coal Mining Law (UU Minerba) No. 3 of 2020. These activities are conducted in areas that have been declared mine-out.
He explained that a mining site can be declared mine-out when the extraction process has reached the bedrock layer. This means that the mining material in the ground has been exhausted or has reached its limit.
As of now, Harita Nickel has successfully reclaimed 201 hectares of post-mining land, according to Mokhamad Rifai, the Mine Reclamation Superintendent. This achievement encompasses a strategic collaboration between PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk (TBP) and PT Gane Permai Sentosa (GPS).
“Reclamation goes beyond fulfilling corporate obligations; it’s crucial for restoring the ecological integrity and functionality of former mining sites,” Rifai stated, emphasizing the dual responsibility of environmental stewardship and compliance with regulations.
To achieve this, Harita Nickel employs a range of plants specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan or AMDAL), focusing on species capable of thriving in the harsh conditions typical of post-mining landscapes. Key plants include sea pine, bintangor, gofasa, and other resilient species known as pioneer plants.
These plants not only survive but also improve soil fertility. Their roots release substances that attract beneficial bacteria and help prevent soil erosion, greatly enhancing soil structure and nutrient content.
In addition to these pioneer species, the reclamation area features several indigenous trees from Obi Island, aimed at restoring the original ecosystem and attracting the island’s endemic wildlife. “We’re focused on bringing this reclaimed area back to its natural state. This year, we’re targeting 30 hectares for reclamation,” said Bagas Nicolaus Saputra, the Reclamation Operation Foreman at Harita Nickel.
However, reclaiming land on Obi Island isn’t without its challenges. Unpredictable weather conditions often complicate the planting schedule.
“Sometimes it rains too much when the land isn’t ready, and then when it is ready, there’s no rain,” Bagas said, pointing out how these weather changes can impact planting success and plant growth.
Rifai and Bagas stressed that a flexible approach is needed to adapt to changing weather patterns. Despite the challenges, Harita Nickel is committed to making its reclamation program successful and promoting sustainable ecosystem restoration.
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, Harita Nickel regularly monitors and evaluates its reclamation efforts with help from external experts. This includes measuring plant growth, checking soil quality, and tracking the wildlife in reclaimed and mining areas. The insights gained from this monitoring are used to improve future reclamation and revegetation efforts.
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