Luwu. Environmental management in the mining sector should go beyond regulatory compliance and be supported by scientific approaches that provide a comprehensive understanding of local environmental conditions, ensuring technical decisions are tailored to on-the-ground realities.

The remarks came from Prof. Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadi Nugroho, a researcher and environmental expert at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Together with fellow BRIN researchers Wiwiek Dwi Susanti and Rajif Iryadi, he is conducting a study on hydrology, watershed management, and sediment control engineering at Masmindo Dwi Area's (MDA) operational site in Luwu.

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MDA's sediment management system to ensure water quality in receiving rivers continues to meet government environmental standards.

According to Prof Hunggul, every region has distinct landscape and hydrological characteristics, making a standardized approach to environmental management ineffective.

"Environmental quality must be assessed scientifically. Visual observations can serve as an initial indication, but they cannot be used as the basis for drawing conclusions. Assessments require measurements of multiple parameters, laboratory analysis, and an understanding of watershed characteristics to ensure the results are accurate and scientifically accountable," he said.

Hunggul explained that sediment levels in water bodies are influenced by various factors, including rainfall, soil type, slope conditions, and the natural characteristics of each watershed. As such, environmental quality assessments must comprehensively consider all of these variables.

"Every watershed has unique characteristics. The design and evaluation of sediment control facilities must be based on field data and scientific studies so that the solutions implemented truly match local conditions. This approach forms the foundation of effective and sustainable environmental management," he said.

As part of the study, the BRIN researchers are also evaluating the performance of several sediment control facilities built by MDA, including sediment ponds, rock check dams, and drop structures. The infrastructure is designed to capture sediment from construction areas before water is discharged into receiving rivers, while supporting water quality management during the project's development phase.

Prof Hunggul also emphasized the importance of involving researchers and academics in technical decision-making to promote environmental management that evolves alongside scientific advances.

"When industry embraces scientific approaches, environmental management decisions can be based on data rather than assumptions. Collaborations like this allow best practices to continue evolving, ensuring environmental management not only complies with existing regulations but also keeps pace with developments in science and technology," he said.

MDA's collaboration with Hunggul, Wiwiek Dwi Susanti, and Rajif Iryadi — all researchers and experts from BRIN — reflects the company's commitment to treating environmental management as more than a regulatory obligation. The company views it as a continuous process of improvement supported by scientific research. The experts' involvement in evaluating hydrology, watershed management, and sediment control systems is intended to ensure that technical decisions are grounded in data, analysis, and environmental best practices.