PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) develops an innovation by creating artificial wetlands, or constructed wetlands, in the removal of contaminants such heavy metals and can neutralize acid mine water.The two models used in the constructed wetlands at PTBA are the floating wetland and swampy forest system. The floating wetland innovation is a floating structure made of PVC pipes over an acid mine water pool. After adding organic materials, such as tankos and bokashi fertilizer, to the pipes, plants are then placed to absorb heavy metals. The plants' roots will reach the acid mine water and absorb heavy metals. Whereas the swampy forest model combines aquatic plants with swamp plants.
Various plants used to absorb heavy metal material, such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), include Akar Wangi (Vetiveria Zizanioides), Melati Air (Echinodorus Palaefolius), Lonkida (Nauclea Orientalis), Jelutung Rawa (Dyera Costulata), Balangeran (Shorea Balangeran), Gelam (Melaleuca Leucadendron), and Kayu Putih (Melaleuca Cajuputi).
Constructed wetlands in coal mines provide a variety of sustainability benefits, including mining wastewater treatment, restoration efforts to rehabilitate disturbed ecosystems, low operational and maintenance costs, energy sustainability through the use of plants, making it is more environmentally friendly and supporting the principle of sustainability.
"The application of this method is one way for Bukit Asam to demonstrate its commitment to implementing the principles of Good Mining Practice," said AVP of Environmental Planning & Forestry of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), Dedy Saptaria Rosa, in an Inspirational Talkshow at the LIKE Festival in Jakarta on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Mine water that has been processed and meets environmental quality standards is then reused for various purposes, including cleaning the Coal Handling Facility, providing clean water needs for mining offices, and so on.
"Using mine water to support mining operations can maximize benefits and efficiency in the use of surface water," Dedy explained.
Dedy further emphasized PTBA's strong commitment to always implementing good mining engineering principles to enable operational activities to take place effectively, efficiently, safely, and environmentally friendly.
"The sustainability aspect is very important for Bukit Asam in our efforts to provide non-stop energy for the country. It also aligns with Bukit Asam's vision to become a world-class energy company that cares about the environment," he said.
