ITM realizes that mining activities, especially open pit mining, have potential to cause impacts on the environment, including changes in the landscape and the ecosystems within it. Therefore, ITM is committed to reducing the impact of land damage through disturbed land management plan and reclamation in accordance with Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) guidelines and mine closure plan.
Over the past two decades, the reclamation and revegetation areas have been transformed into an arboretum by ITM subsidiary, Indominco Mandiri (IMM), as a collection of various flora species. In 2022, IMM established two new arboretum zones: the "Arboretum 30 Gemilang," located in the original concession forest area of IMM, and the "Arboretum Kanahuang", situated in the IMM reclamation area. With the addition of these zones, the total area of the arboretum managed by IMM reached 70 hectares by 2022. Activities conducted in the arboretum during the reporting period include maintenance of walking trails, biodiversity monitoring, a tree adoption program, and tree labeling.
Mining operations result in changes in the landscape and habitat in the mining area. Therefore, we are committed to restoring land functions through a disturbed land management plan and reclamation in accordance with the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) and the 5 years reclamation proposal that has been submitted and approved by the Government.
To enhance the effort of biodiversity preservation, we collaborated with BRIN to study biodiversity at several operation locations of ITM. We also collaborated with Lambung Mangkurat University to study natural forests in the South Kalimantan area. The findings of the study generated bank data of the wealth and diversity of flora and fauna species in the Kalimantan forests that we are committed to preserving its sustainability.
To manage the disturbed land, we conduct revegetation activities by planting trees in the total accumulated land area. Plants grown consist of local plant species and crops of economic value.
Have conducted Biodiversity Impact & Risk Assesment
Have developed Biodiversity Action Plan
In collaboration with third parties such as research institutes, universities or conservation organizations, ITM implement biodiversity study activities to obtain a biodiversity baseline that will be used as a reference in preparing biodiversity management plan.
ITM conducts biodiversity impact and risk assessments as part of the biodiversity management plan. Direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity values from mining operations are identified and risks assessed to be managed in the future.
In managing biodiversity, ITM sets goals and targets to be achieved. Targets are set specifically and realistically explaining clearly what is to be achieved and when the deadline is, and linked to the overall mine reclamation and mine closure strategy.
To achieve the goals and targets of biodiversity conservation, ITM has developed an action plan for biodiversity management. This plan can stand alone or be combined into an environmental management plan. ITM has also developed a biodiversity roadmap in order to achieve long-term goals and targets.
Whenever possible, ITM anticipates and avoids the impact of mining operations on biodiversity. Anticipation involves the initial planning of the project with the approach of site selection, project design and scheduling.
For impacts that cannot be completely avoided, ITM takes steps to minimize the impact of mining operations on biodiversity. Several approaches include adjusting the physical design of infrastructure, managing activities and reducing pollutant levels.
Management of impacts on biodiversity is carried out through rehabilitation and reclamation activities. ITM prepares a reclamation plan that is integrated with the overall mining plan. This plan must consider the status of pre-mining biodiversity from the results of biodiversity study and final mining baseline to be achieved.
Offsetting is a measurable conservation outcome derived from actions in unaffected areas that offset significant adverse impacts that cannot be avoided, minimized and/or restored. ITM can have two forms of offset, which is restoration offset and loss protection or loss prevention offset.
Biodiversity monitoring activities are implemented periodically so that changes in biodiversity status continue to be documented and the results become input for management improvement actions.