Minerba urges faster shift to low-emission technology

By Adianto P. Simamora

Director General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) Tri Winarno has called on mineral and coal producers to accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, including mine electrification, to support Indonesia’s net zero emissions target by 2060 or earlier.

In a recorded video address delivered at a recent mine electrification event, Tri said the electrification of mining equipment and haulage is an important instrument to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the sector, particularly carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases generated by mining activities.

“We appreciate the implementation of electrification programs for mining equipment and haulage, which are aligned with and support Indonesia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 through the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

Tri said the mining industry plays a strategic role in supplying raw materials for energy, manufacturing, and downstream industries, but is also facing growing challenges from rising demand, increasingly complex operations, and heightened expectations to reduce environmental impacts.

He emphasized that technological innovation—especially the transition from diesel-based equipment to electricity-based systems—is key to ensuring mining operations become more productive and sustainable while minimizing their environmental footprint.

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To support Indonesia’s climate objectives, Tri referred to Ministerial Regulation No. 22/2019 on the implementation of greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation in the energy and mineral resources sector, as well as a 2025 Presidential Regulation on carbon economic value and greenhouse gas control. Together, these regulations provide the policy framework for emissions accounting and reduction, including in mining.

Under these regulations, the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal is mandated to monitor and collect activity data from emissions sources in mineral and coal mining, and to prepare technical guidelines and regulatory plans for greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation measures in mining operations.

Tri acknowledged that Indonesia still lacks comprehensive data on greenhouse gas emissions from the mining sector, but noted that several mining companies have begun conducting their own emissions inventories and implementing emission-reduction technologies as part of their corporate commitments.

He cited the transition of mining and hauling equipment from diesel to electric units at PT Borneo Indobara as an example of a proactive initiative by a mining company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of lower-emission energy sources.

Tri expressed hope that such electrification programs could serve as models for other mining companies, adding that the Directorate General will continue to provide policy support, guidance, and supervision to ensure mining practices in Indonesia remain aligned with good mining practice principles and deliver maximum benefits to the public and the state.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak