ITMG teams up with LIPI on reclamation of mining sites

IDX-listed coal mining firm PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk (ITMG) has teamed up with the Indonesian Sciences Institute (LIPI) to apply conservation approach in the reclamation of the company?s former mining sites in Barinto and Bontang, East Kalimantan.

Antara quoted Hendrian (one name), Head of Purwodadi Botanical Garden, a unit of LIPI, as saying that the conservation approach was aimed at helping to return the former mining sites into near original condition by replanting indigenous plant and tree species.

?Many thought that mining reclamation is only about covering land and replanting. But with conservation approach, species and land characteristic aspects are taken into account so that the rehabilitated (area) can be close to the original condition,? he said.

ITMG has set up a nursery for up to 300 local plant species, to be replanted at the former mining sites during reclamation process, in addition to 600 species cultivated at the Purwodadi garden.

ITMG Assistance Vice President for Safety and Environment Puji Rahadin said that the cooperation with LIPI?s Purwodadi Botanical Garden has been set up since 2010, but rehabilitation program via planting of pioneer vegetation started in 2012.

ITMG has five concessions in East Kalimantan, and one in South Kalimantan. The Bontang concession covers 25,000 hectares, of which 9,000 has been mined, and 6,700 ha has started rehabilitation. The Barinto concession covers 22,000 ha, of which 2,800 ha is being mined, Antara said. (*)