Jakarta. Indonesia’s mining sector is currently facing a major challenge: a significant carbon footprint. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) acknowledges that the mining industry remains one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in the country. In response, the ministry is actively promoting the implementation of environmentally friendly practices to mitigate these negative impacts.

According to the Secretary of the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, several key factors contribute to the sector’s high emissions, including land clearing, energy consumption, and the use of non-environmentally friendly mining vehicles.

“We recognize that the mining sector, especially during operational phases, still has a substantial carbon footprint , from land clearing activities and the use of fossil fuel-powered heavy equipment to other consumption patterns,” Siti stated.

From a policy and strategic direction standpoint, ESDM supports and facilitates a range of initiatives:

1. Coal Co-firing with Biomass
   The ministry promotes co-firing coal with biomass at coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) as a short-to-medium term strategy to reduce emissions from the power generation sector.

2. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
   ESDM also backs the development and implementation of CCUS technologies, especially for high-emission industrial facilities, including mining and mineral processing. According to Siti, this technology is viewed as a game-changer in industrial decarbonization efforts.

3. Post-Mining Reclamation and Revegetation
   The government is strengthening the implementation of revegetation and land reclamation post-mining. Beyond fulfilling environmental restoration obligations, revegetation plays a role in carbon absorption and restoring ecological functions.

4. Use of Clean Energy in Mining Areas
   The ministry is encouraging the adoption of clean energy in mining operations, including the use of biodiesel (B20 or B30), integration of solar panels for operational needs, and various energy efficiency measures.

5. Electrification of Mining Operations
   Ditjen Minerba is also pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and electric-powered heavy equipment in mining operations, as part of Indonesia’s transition toward green and smart mining.

Siti said that the success of decarbonization strategies in the mining sector largely depends on active collaboration between the government, business actors, and other stakeholders.

“In this regard, the roles of investors, technology providers, and research institutions are also critical in accelerating a sustainable and measurable transition,” she concluded.