Mining firm Merdeka Copper Gold recently reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the planet.

The company has set a goal to support climate mitigation efforts while minimizing its mining operations' environmental impact. According to a press statement, Merdeka Copper Gold prioritizes three environment-related sustainable development goals (SDGs): water management, climate action, and land rehabilitation. Merdeka Copper Gold adopts the ISO 14001:2005 environmental management system to balance production and environmental management in every mining operation.

Merdeka ensures that the water used in its mining operation does not lead to water scarcity for the local communities.

The ore processing at the Tujuh Bukit gold mine —managed by Merdeka's subsidiary Bumi Suksesindo (BSI)— adopts a closed process water system. This system helps eliminate the need for water from rivers or other bodies of water. BSI uses rainwater and groundwater from drilled wells for its domestic markets, including employee accommodation and office facilities. These wells have already secured groundwater extraction permits. 

Merdeka has a roadmap for reaching net zero emissions by 2060, encompassing renewable energy use and energy efficiency. The roadmap is in line with the Indonesian government's net-zero commitment. 

Since Nov. 2022, the Tujuh Bukit gold mine has been running entirely on renewable energy produced by state-owned utility firm PLN's geothermal-fired power generation in Kamojang, West Java.

Merdeka has also made land rehabilitation efforts in line with SDG 15: Life on Land. BSI, in 2022, rehabilitated its operational lands spanning 4.19 hectares at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mind by planting 8,233 trees. As of 2022, the accumulated rehabilitated land has amounted to 67.54 hectares. Land rehabilitation at the Wetar Mine reached 3.11 hectares in 2022.

BSI also gradually hands over the reforested compensation land in Bondowoso, East Java, and Sukabumi, West Java. Compensation land refers to reforested lands that forest area utilization permit holders must hand over. Land already used for the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine operation needs to be replaced elsewhere.

Merdeka Copper Gold's chief of external affairs, Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, said that environmental management had been part of the company's commitment to promoting sustainability and abiding by government regulations.

"We are executing our environmental policies through identification, planning, risk management, and environmental monitoring that adhere to the laws," Boyke said.

To this end, the company is implementing the sustainable development goals program, according to Merdeka Copper Gold's GM for corporate communications Tom Malik. 

"The Merdeka Group is committed to becoming part of the Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN) and embraces a more environmentally friendly mining system," Boyke said.

In the future, Merdeka and all related business entities will continue to work on its commitment to sustainability. So they can produce minerals that are pivotal to the advancement of human life while protecting the planet for a better future for the coming generations.

Image source: Merdeka Copper Gold

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/special-updates/merdeka-copper-reaffirms-commitment-to-protecting-the-planet