Jakarta. The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry is stepping up inspections of mining vehicles to ensure operational safety and environmental compliance, particularly in controlling emissions, as the country struggles to make progress toward its net-zero targets.

Mining is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with operations generating pollution from land clearing, heavy energy use, and vehicle exhaust. Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, secretary of the ministry’s Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, said regular inspections are carried out by mining inspectors, focusing on technical, operational, and environmental safety.

Companies flagged for violations during inspections must submit evaluation reports and take corrective actions. The ministry’s oversight covers infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and operational readiness, with sanctions for noncompliance based on Ministerial Regulation No. 26/2018 on good mining practices.

“The inspection parameters include technical aspects, operational safety, and environmental safety in mining,” Siti told Beritasatu.com on Tuesday. “If a company fails to meet environmental safety requirements, administrative sanctions will follow.”

Additional technical standards for mining vehicles are outlined in Ministerial Decree No. 1827/2018, which sets requirements for vehicle operation, maintenance, workforce competence, and safety management. Emission controls for mining vehicles are also regulated under the Environment and Forestry Ministry’s Regulation No. 8/2023, mandating compliance with emission standards and regular testing for vehicles over three years old.

While the government is pushing for cleaner mining operations, progress toward net-zero emission (NZE) targets has been slow. Fahmy Radhi, an energy economics expert at Gadjah Mada University, said many mining companies remain reluctant to adopt greener practices, such as reforestation after mine closures or shifting to Euro 4-compliant vehicles.

“In my view, commitment to achieving net zero in the mining sector is still nonexistent,” Fahmy said. He also criticized the continued use of subsidized diesel fuel by some mining trucks and warned that upgrading fleets to meet Euro 4 standards will require significant investment.

Fahmy urged the government to make Euro 4 compliance mandatory for all mining vehicles, despite cost challenges. “It’s necessary to have regulations requiring Euro 4 for every vehicle used in mining,” he said.