National Mining Sector Proves Waste Management Programmes Support Environmental Sustainability

The mining industry continues to demonstrate that mining operational areas can serve as spaces for innovation in implementing circular ecosystems that benefit environmental sustainability.

During the opening of the International Environment Technology and Innovation Expo and Conference (Invirotech) 2026, Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat stated that the business world plays a vital role in driving the application of clean technology and accelerating the circular economy to address various environmental challenges. According to him, technology and innovation must be part of real solutions that support the sustainability of both the industrial sector and the environment.

Through exhibitions, discussion forums, coaching clinics, workshops, business matching, and various other educational activities, INDO ENVILETECH serves as a platform to observe how technology can address real environmental issues. “The business world plays an important role in implementing clean technology, increasing environmental compliance, and accelerating the circular economy,” said Jumhur during the opening of INDO ENVIROTECH 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday (11/6/2026).

He added that developed technologies must be capable of providing tangible benefits to the environment. “Technology must help industries meet their environmental obligations,” he noted.

In practice, several mining industry players have begun implementing waste management programmes that are not only oriented towards compliance but also towards creating added value for the environment. One example comes from MIND ID Group member PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) through the ‘Bank Sampah Pintar’ (Smart Waste Bank) programme, which integrates community-based waste management. Through a structured system of collection, sorting, and processing, waste collected from the community can be converted into precious metal gold savings.

Organic waste is processed into various useful products such as compost, kasgot (worm castings), biocleaners, and maggots. Throughout 2025, this programme recorded the absorption of approximately 63 tonnes of inorganic waste, contributing positively to waste reduction in the surrounding community.

Another initiative is being run by MIND ID Group member PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) through the ‘Bara Agro Sirkular’ Programme, which optimises non-productive land from former illegal mining activities into integrated agricultural areas. This programme applies the 9R concept and an integrated circular system, where waste from one activity is utilised as input for another. For example, quail droppings are processed into organic fertiliser for plantations, while maggots resulting from organic waste processing are used as feed for livestock and fisheries.

Another MIND ID Group member, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), has developed the ‘Pusat Transformasi Bersama’ (PTB) or Joint Transformation Centre, a recycling-based waste processing facility built in collaboration with community foundations around the operational area in Gresik, East Java. Through this programme, wood and iron waste from smelter construction activities are processed into products such as tables and chairs, which are then distributed to support social programmes, including for orphans and community empowerment activities. This minimises construction waste being discarded into the environment.

These various initiatives show that waste management in the mining sector plays a role in reducing environmental impacts while also being able to create sustainable economic and social benefits. This approach confirms that the mining industry and environmental sustainability are mutually supportive and can be implemented through appropriate innovation and collaboration.