Earthquake and Fire Drills Sharpen Harita Nickel’s Emergency Readiness

01 May 2025

On 27 March 2025, a loud siren echoed across the Nirwana office area on Obi Island. Within seconds, dozens of Harita Nickel employees rushed out of the building and quickly moved to the assembly point. It wasn’t a real emergency. It was an earthquake drill organized by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) from PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk (TBP) and PT Gane Permai Sentosa (GPS).

This drill is part of Harita Nickel’s regular efforts to train employees to respond to disasters. Notably, Harita Nickel’s Director of Operations, Younsel Evand Roos, joined the drill and played the role of an employee needing medical attention. His participation underscored the message that safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of the company.

A week later, on April 4, 2025, another emergency simulation took place at Panji Selatan Port. This time, the scenario involved a fuel spill caused by a leaking pipe at the fuel station. The ERT team responded quickly, using fire extinguishers and hydrants to control the situation. During the simulation, one responder pretended to suffer burns and was promptly treated with first aid equipment.

These drills are more than just routine exercises. For Harita Nickel, they’re a key part of responsible mining practices and ensuring everyone understands how to react if a real emergency happens.

Ngainur Rofiek, Head of Mining Engineering at GPS, highlighted the importance of these drills in developing practical skills. “Using safety equipment, performing evacuations, and giving first aid must be practiced regularly. These are essential for safety in the mining environment,” said Rofiek.

He also emphasized the value of teamwork. “Strong teamwork as one of our core values is critical in any emergency situation,” he added.

Muhammad Randy, one of the drill coordinators, noted that the scenarios mirror risk matrices required for the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) audit. “This is part of our continuous improvement to meet responsible mining standards,” he said.

These drills clearly show Harita Nickel’s commitment to prioritizing safety, building a culture of readiness, and upholding sustainable and responsible mining principles.