11 January 2024
That morning, the sun rose behind the hills on both sides of Lake Karo in Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku. Lake Karo, where Harita Nickel operates, has beautiful scenery. The 9.88-square-kilometer lake is surrounded by lush green trees.
Tonny H Gultom, Harita Nickel's Director of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), said that Lake Karo is essential for the company's operations. The lake provides 3 million cubic meters of water each month for the company's needs. Therefore, protecting Lake Karo is very important.
"If Lake Karo has problems, our projects will be affected too. That's why I encourage everyone to plant trees with a positive attitude. I hope our sincere efforts help the trees grow well and keep the lake safe," he said during the opening of Indonesia's Tree Planting Day (HMPI) event near Lake Karo recently.
Tonny highlighted that tree planting is a strategic initiative in preserving Lake Karo and carries significant meaning for Harita Nickel. This effort goes beyond the company's compliance with reforestation requirements in unused areas. More importantly, Lake Karo is a critical resource for the company's operational sustainability. Alongside reforestation, the company also conducts regular water quality monitoring to ensure compliance with government standards.
Furthermore, Tonny emphasized that the responsibility to maintain Lake Karo's ecosystem is shared by all stakeholders, including the government, local communities, and spiritual leaders. All parties expect the company to continue its conservation efforts. "This is not merely a ceremonial activity. Our focus is on the continued rehabilitation of previously utilized land. Additionally, it is essential that we commit to nurturing the planted areas to ensure their long-term viability," Tonny stated.
During the event, a board expert from the Indonesian Mining Experts Association (Perhapi), recently appointed as the first ASEAN Engineer by the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) and the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO), discussed the evolving role of North Maluku. Once renowned for its spice exports, North Maluku is now the fastest-growing province in Indonesia, thanks to the nickel downstream industry.
Notably, Harita Nickel has distinguished itself as the first company to successfully produce Nickel Sulfate and Cobalt Sulfate, key components in electric vehicle battery production. These products, derived from Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), are highly sought after due to their role in the shift toward more environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
"Historically, we were known for exporting spices. Today, we are proud to export value-added products from Obi Island, including Ferronickel, MHP, Nickel Sulfate, and Cobalt Sulfate. This positions Obi as a key contributor to Indonesia's global standing and economic success," he concluded.
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