PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) demonstrates its commitment to significantly reducing carbon emissions through environmental conservation actions. The Merdeka Group continues to strive to explore potential improvements and alternative measures to achieve environmental ecosystem harmony.
Indonesia targets a gradual reduction in emissions, starting at 29% and now aiming for 41% by 2030. This target aligns with the commitment to achieve Indonesia's net zero emissions by 2060.
In its contribution, MDKA has also issued a Net Zero Commitment supported by a GHG Emissions Reduction Roadmap. This commitment targets a 50% reduction in emission intensity for copper and gold products and a 29% reduction for acid products.
The Merdeka Group's strategy towards the Net Zero Commitment is pursued through energy substitution and efficiency, reclamation of mining operation areas, and land rehabilitation.
In 2023, MDKA began using the TruCount emission calculation platform to measure, monitor, manage, and report GHG emissions. This platform is built based on two globally recognized standards, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1:2018.
The aim is to ensure the accuracy of MDKA's GHG calculations and compliance with international standards. The Merdeka Group, through its subsidiary PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) which manages the Tujuh Bukit Mine operations in Banyuwangi, East Java, has already initiated energy substitution and efficiency initiatives by using electricity from renewable energy sources and B35 biodiesel for heavy mining equipment.
Additionally, PT BSI routinely conducts environmental preservation activities such as releasing hatchlings, coral reef transplantation, mangrove planting, and more. PT BSI also collaborates extensively with environmental conservation agencies and community groups in these activities.
With the same spirit as a tangible step to reduce carbon emissions, the Merdeka Group periodically undertakes various positive environmental actions based on reclamation and revegetation, such as planting mangrove seedlings in coastal areas and tourist parks, as part of World Mangrove Day.
On this year's World Mangrove Day, Merdeka's headquarters in Jakarta involved 75 employees from the Head Office to symbolically plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings in Taman Wisata Angke, North Jakarta, and Muara Gembong, West Java.
Mangrove seedlings planted by the Merdeka Copper Gold Group
Regular mangrove planting benefits ecosystem quality recovery, climate change mitigation, accelerated environmental rehabilitation, harmful carbon absorption, and protection of land from the threat of sea abrasion.
The initiative of planting 1,000 mangrove seedlings by the Merdeka Group is estimated to absorb at least 25,000 kg of carbon per year through the 1,000 seedlings planted and grown into trees.
"Planting mangroves is part of our concern to free future generations from pollution. Climate change has caused weather anomalies impacting food and health," said PT Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI) Director, Cahyono Seto, during his speech before the mangrove planting event at Taman Wisata Angke Jakarta, Thursday (July 25, 2024).
Seto continued, the Merdeka Group's environmental actions conducted in each business unit not only aim to demonstrate the company's commitment but also involve employees in preventive efforts to avoid environmental damage.
In addition to contributing to the environment through mangrove seedling planting, the Merdeka Group also builds collective awareness among employees through sustainable environmental conservation programs, resulting in positive real actions towards environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, the Merdeka Group also reduces carbon emissions by using 100% New Renewable Energy (EBT) at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, East Java.
The EBT supplied to the Tujuh Bukit Mine operations comes from the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in West Java. The use of EBT by BSI has led to a 100% reduction in Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions at this mining operation.
Meanwhile, the Wetar Copper Mine is considering using solar panels to replace generators to support its operations.
Merdeka's efforts to reduce GHG emissions from its operations also include transitioning to environmentally friendly energy, fuel savings, the use of biodiesel, and tree and mangrove planting.
In 2023, the decarbonization initiative through the transition from B30 to B35 Biodiesel, a 35% biofuel blend that is more environmentally friendly, reduced emissions by 249.22 tons of CO2(e).
"The Merdeka Group always prioritizes maximum environmental performance in reducing greenhouse gas effects. This commitment and hard work have earned Merdeka a global reputation in ESG management," added Seto.
As a company with an ESG rating of A, based on Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) assessment since 2023, MDKA is committed to strengthening its reputation as a high ESG performance company. Positive environmental performance impacting ecosystems and communities is a fundamental principle that the Merdeka Group must uphold.
