economy

MIND ID Group Solution To Optimize Operational Waste For Construction Materials

MIND ID, a state-owned mining industry holding in Indonesia, is promoting circular economy practices through its commitment to optimal operational waste management.

Heri Yusuf, Corporate Secretary of MIND ID, stated that the MIND ID Group is carrying out responsible production by managing operational waste, which is then utilized as construction material.

In managing waste, the MIND ID Group not only mitigates the resulting impacts on the environment and society but also encourages the use of waste for construction materials.

"This step is a strategic move for us to assist the government in promoting a circular economy that has positive impacts on reducing the negative effects of mining while optimizing the economic value of natural resources," he said.

For example, PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) utilizes operational waste for construction materials. Waste such as tailings, nickel slag, and fly ash bottom ash (FABA) are reused and recycled.

Tailings are the leftover sludge from hydrometallurgy processing of gold ore at the Gold Mining Business Unit (UBP) Emas. The resulting tailings are then reused as environmentally friendly construction support material called Green Fine Aggregate (GFA).

In 2023, ANTM produced approximately 296,276.1 tons of tailings waste. 39.35% of this total has been successfully reused. ANTM also produces nickel slag, a byproduct of the pyrometallurgy process of separating metals from ore, and FABA, a result of burning coal from electric precipitator and Steam Power Plant (PLTU) boiler facilities.

The company also reuses all nickel slag up to 100% for use as concrete construction material called Pomalaa Beton (POTON). Similarly, all FABA is utilized entirely (100%) (Produced 13,070.74, reused 13,070.74) for construction materials for internal needs.

Furthermore, PT Freeport Indonesia is also currently managing tailings in a sustainable manner. PTFI conducts various research and development in utilizing tailings, which are waste from the mineral ore separation process, as raw materials for making concrete, fillers, and other construction materials.

On the other hand, PT Bukit Asam Tbk utilizes fly ash or residual coal combustion ash at the 4x65 MW Bukit Asam Power Plant as NAF (Non Acid Forming) material to neutralize acidic water in former mines.

FABA, which is alkaline, can prevent the formation of mine acid water from PAF (Potentially Acid Forming) materials. The potential absorption of FABA from the Bukit Asam Power Plant during a 3-year utilization period reaches 400,000 tons.

Heri explained that waste management at MIND ID Members involves several stages. Waste is sorted for reuse and recycling or further recovery processes.

With various commitments to waste management, the MIND ID Group has successfully maintained environmental management performance where there is no pollution due to significant waste mismanagement throughout the MIND ID Group in 2023.

"In managing waste, MIND ID always refers to applicable laws and other relevant national and global standards. We are committed to maintaining responsible business practices through sustainable waste management," concluded Heri.

Tag: Construction Materials Heri Yusuf MIND ID