Mining Industry Accelerates Low-Carbon Energy Solutions
Indonesia’s mining industry is intensifying efforts to transition towards sustainable practices, with momentum accelerating in line with rising energy costs. More operationally efficient, lower-emission, and sustainable approaches are essential to maintain competitiveness amid shifting global energy landscapes.
The mining sector contributes approximately 10.5% to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product. However, the sector is undergoing a critical transition aligned with the national target to reduce emissions by 31.89% by 2030 and increasingly stringent sustainability standards in global supply chains.
The mining industry faces significant challenges, particularly its substantial operational dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation in remote areas and fleet mobility. Massive fossil fuel consumption not only increases emissions but also affects cost efficiency and energy supply reliability in the field.
Globally, the mining sector is estimated to contribute 4-7% of world greenhouse gas emissions, making it strategically important in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.
Aditya Pratama, Chairman of the Communications & Government Relations Committee at APBI-ICMA (Indonesian Coal Mining Association), believes the national mining sector is beginning to demonstrate readiness to adopt green mining practices. However, implementation must be phased according to operational readiness and infrastructure availability at individual companies, as each mining site has distinct characteristics and challenges.
He noted that the transition to green mining is increasingly viewed as a long-term business necessity. The challenge lies in ensuring faster and wider implementation, supported by an increasingly mature technology ecosystem and strong collaboration between industry players, government, and solution providers.
Green mining implementation requires a comprehensive energy system approach tailored to each mining site’s operational needs. Integration between renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and operational monitoring technology represents an approach increasingly being considered to support more efficient, lower-emission mining operations.
Solar power generation (PLTS) at mining sites is increasingly relevant, capable of addressing multiple key requirements including reduced diesel dependence, improved operational cost efficiency, and strengthened energy supply resilience in remote locations. With support from battery energy storage systems, solar energy can provide a solution more adaptive to dynamic mining operational needs.
SUN Energy CEO Jefferson Kuesar explained that effective green mining strategies must consider mining operations comprehensively. Implementation must therefore be tailored to each site’s specific needs. Ultimately, integration between solar energy, energy storage, and monitoring systems is crucial for mining companies to reduce emissions whilst maintaining operational efficiency and continuity.
Beyond energy generation, SUN also views operational fleet electrification as the next strategic step in driving lower-emission mining operations. Mobility represents a critical component in mining operational chains, so transitioning to electric vehicles can deliver significant impact, both environmentally and operationally.
SUN Mobility CEO Karina Darmawan stated that fleet electrification should be viewed as part of broader operational transformation. Implementation must be tailored to mining characteristics, including fleet type, operational routes, usage intensity, and charging infrastructure readiness.
If designed correctly, electrification can help mining companies reduce emissions, improve cost efficiency, and create more modern and measurable operational systems.
In the future, technological readiness is not the sole determinant of green mining transformation. Such transformation requires collaboration amongst all stakeholders.
Through an integrated approach, SUN remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s mining sector in building lower-carbon, efficient, and competitive operations. In this context, SUN has begun implementing an integrated energy approach encompassing renewable energy generation, energy storage, and operational monitoring systems tailored to mining site requirements.