Contribute the Future of Mining Environment & Mine Closure

Indonesia is a country endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly in the mining sector. Activities such as coal, mineral, and metal mining have significantly contributed to the national economy. However, alongside these economic benefits, substantial challenges must be addressed, especially concerning the environmental impacts of mining activities. One critical environmental issue is acid mine drainage (AMD) and mine closure management.

Since its inception in 1996 and through the 6th AMD Seminar held in 2019, extensive discussions on AMD management in Indonesian mines have taken place, highlighting significant developments in AMD management within the country. This is the rationale behind organizing the 7th Acid Mine Drainage and Mine Closure Seminar.

With the theme "Consolidating Research, Policy, and Practice Towards Best Practices in Acid Mine Drainage Management and Mine Closure," the 7th Acid Mine Drainage and Mine Closure Seminar aims to comprehensively address these issues. The theme reflects the importance of an integrated approach between scientific research, government policies, and industrial practices in achieving optimal environmental management.

The choice of "Consolidation" as the theme is driven by the current dynamics impacting the mining industry, particularly in environmental management. Ernst and Young (EY) identified ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as the top risk in the 2024 list of ten business risks in the mining and metals industry. The demand for better environmental impact mitigation, stricter adoption of ESG-related standards, and sustainable mine closure practices that leave a beneficial legacy will continue to be global campaign themes in the coming years. These conditions require better consolidation and synergy between the government, academic research, and industrial practices.

The 7th Acid Mine Drainage and Mine Closure Seminar is expected to foster the creation of innovative and practical solutions to reduce the negative impacts of AMD and maximize the utilization of mine closure areas. This seminar is also anticipated to be a crucial moment in the collective effort to create more responsible and sustainable mining practices in Indonesia.

Acid Mine Drainage

AMD is one of the significant effects of mining activities and must be managed effectively and strategically to prevent or minimize its environmental impact. The occurrence of AMD has been observed in numerous mining operations across Indonesia, including coal and ore mining associated with sulfide minerals. The impact of AMD is detrimental to aquatic ecosystems, soil, and public health in surrounding communities. The level of AMD management varies widely across different mining sites. While some large-scale mines have conducted extensive research and investigations as the foundation for their AMD management systems, many others rely solely on corrective actions through active AMD management. Therefore, understanding AMD phenomena and the ability to manage them effectively is crucial for practitioners dealing with AMD issues.

Mine Closure

Mine closure management encompasses various efforts to restore and rehabilitate former mining lands to safe and sustainable conditions. This process involves land rehabilitation, revegetation, waste management, and long-term environmental monitoring and maintenance. Effective mine closure management aims not only to mitigate negative environmental impacts but also to open opportunities for the repurposing of former mining lands for other economic activities, embodying environmental responsibility and good mining practices.

Mine Water Management in Mine Closure Conditions