Satellite Imagery Reveals Landscape Destruction at Site of Nine Deaths in Illegal Gold Mine, Sijunjung
Walhi Sumatra Barat released a high-resolution satellite imagery analysis showing massive landscape damage at the site of illegal gold mining. The location is suspected to be the point of a landslide that killed at least nine workers in the Guguak area, Sijunjung Regency.
From 2021 to 2024, and based on on-site monitoring, Walhi observed a drastic transformation of the area from natural vegetation along riverbanks—forest, orchards, and rice fields—into an open-pit mining zone with eroding slopes, sediment-laden rivers, and soils highly vulnerable to landslides.
‘Time-series satellite imagery shows that in 2021 the area was dominated by natural vegetation along the riverbank, with relatively clear water and minimal sedimentation. The river channel remained buffered ecologically,’ said Tommy Adam, Executive Director of Walhi Sumatra Barat, on Wednesday (20/5).
However, in 2022 environmental quality declined. The river became more turbid with increased sedimentation at river bends. ‘In this phase, land openings on the left side of the river began to appear, believed to be early access points for illegal gold mining. Walhi assesses these changes as early signs of disturbance to the Kuantan watershed due to earthmoving in the upstream and along the river margins,’ he added.
Damage sharply worsened in 2023. Satellite imagery shows expansion of mining openings with open-pit patterns. Vegetation disappeared over large areas, followed by the appearance of pits and mining effluent pools. The river water turned dark brown due to heavy sedimentation, and deposits began to fill the riverbed.
At this stage Walhi identified slope degradation, loss of topsoil, changes in river morphology, and an increased risk of landslides. The imagery also detected at least two excavators and dozens of pontoon boats (dongfeng) operating in the area.
The most severe damage was evident in 2024. The mining area expanded into a large-scale open site, with openings estimated at around 6.58 hectares at the incident point. Almost all vegetation was gone, and the slopes were heavily stripped.
Mining materials appeared to flow directly into the river, causing heavy sedimentation, shallowing, narrowing of the channel, and sandbank formation. Walhi assessed erosion patterns and material flow on the slopes as indicating highly unstable soils prone to landslides.
‘The landscape condition at this location is severely damaged, clearly visible in satellite imagery. Lives have been lost and the country seems to be counting bodies rather than seriously addressing the root causes of the disaster,’ said Walhi Sumbar Executive Director Tommy Adam.
Uli Arta Siagian, Walhi’s National Executive Coordinator of Campaigns, urged law enforcement—especially the West Sumatra Regional Police and the Chief of Police—to expose all actors involved in the illegal mining practices (PETI). He also called on regional governments to halt all PETI activities and hold responsible parties for ecological restoration.
He further urged authorities to investigate money flows within the illegal mining business to uncover the economic crimes behind PETI across West Sumatra.
Walhi Sumbar notes that illegal gold mining activity in West Sumatra continues to rise, causing forest destruction, river pollution, social conflict, and repeated loss of life. Between 2012 and 2026, at least 48 people were reported killed at illegal mining sites, while more than 10,000 hectares of land have been damaged due to PETI activity.
In addition to triggering deadly landslides, illegal mining in the area is seen as increasing flood risk and worsening damage to the river basin. Excavated material flowing directly into rivers causes shallowing, reduced water quality, and threatens downstream communities.
In light of these conditions, Walhi Sumbar has urged the closure of all illegal gold mining activities at the site and called on the Police Chief to conduct a thorough investigation into involved actors and those suspected of allowing these activities to continue.