06 January 2025
In spite of the hustle and bustle of nickel mining and downstreaming activities on Obi Island, Harita Nickel strives to preserve the environment around its operations. Obi waters, which are directly adjacent to the company's operations are no exception. This is what Aldico Satria Ganesa, Harita Nickel's Marine Ecology Foreman, who is at the forefront of preserving Obi's aquatic ecosystem, is doing.
Together with his colleagues at the Environmental Marine division, he co-authored a scientific journal titled “Coral Recruitment Enhancement in Fish Shelter Media Composed of Fly Ash and Nickel Slag on Obi Island, South Halmahera.” This publication delves into the innovative use of reef cubes—specially engineered structures made from fly ash and nickel slag—that have been strategically introduced into the vibrant marine ecosystem of Obi Island. These reef cubes serve a dual purpose: providing safe havens for fish while fostering the growth of new coral reefs, a vital step toward rejuvenating the island's underwater biodiversity.
“We’re turning waste into wonder. By using fly ash and nickel slag—two byproducts of nickel production—we create reef cubes rich in Calcium Oxide (CaO), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), and Silica (SiO2). These compounds are the building blocks of calcification, the natural process that forms calcium minerals essential for coral reef growth. It’s a perfect blend of science and sustainability, giving marine ecosystems a chance to thrive,” Dico explained.
Working on this project since 2021, Harita Nickel's Marine Team has placed 1.871 reef cubes and discovered various types of corals with heights ranging from 2.41 to 12.90 cm in the Atol HJF reef cubes area and Pasturi Island. Several genera such as Acropora, Isopora, Pocillopora, Millepora, and Porites have shown significant growth. Not only that, monitoring over the past two years has recorded the presence of 24 families of fish around the reef cubes, with the Pomacentridae family accounting for 53% of the total observations, followed by Acanthuridae species and Abudefduf vaigiensis with fish sizes ranging from 0-5 cm and 16-20 cm.
"It's always enjoyable to monitor the coral reefs on Obi Island because we always find diverse marine life around the reef cubes. This is also a form of Harita Nickel's ESG commitment to maintaining the environmental ecosystem, especially the marine ecosystem, in good condition," he added.
In addition to monitoring coral reefs and other marine life around the reef cubes, a Marine Ecologist is also responsible for monitoring water quality to ensure it meets government standards, as well as monitoring coastal ecosystems such as mangroves.
"The mangrove rehabilitation program, which started in 2021, is equally impressive. We’ve already partnered with Khairun University to plant 71,466 mangrove seedlings in an area of 23.90 hectares. The planting locations are in several points: Soligi, Belang-Belang, Awanggoa, and Kayoa," said Aldico enthusiastically.
For Aldico, working as a Marine Ecology Foreman is a highly enjoyable experience, it feels like having an office in the ocean. Additionally, he often encounters schools of dolphins while monitoring the coral reefs, which serves as an indicator that the marine ecosystem in Harita Nickel's operational area is well preserved.
Aldico and his team's efforts prove that the mining industry, especially at Harita Nickel, is one that takes responsibility for its environment. The reef cubes and mangrove programs are clear examples of how technology and innovation can align with nature conservation.
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