Medan, November 28, 2024, – PT Agincourt Resources, Martabe Gold Mine operator, presented innovations in harmonizing mining activities with nature conservation at the Asian Primate Symposium, which this year took the theme “Living in Harmony with Primates.” Through the project of 13 arboreal bridges equipped with camera traps, the Company can build a coexistence and sustainable life between humans and primates.
The 9th Asian Primates Symposium which took place at the University of North Sumatra on November 23-27, 2024, was attended by 295 participants, including scientist, primate expert, and conservationist from various countries, with different high-level discussion topics about primates. In the prestigious event, PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) carried out research entitled “Arboreal Bridges for Sustainable Human-Primates Coexistence within Ecologies Adaptation at Martabe Gold Mine.”
The Superintendent – Environmental Site Support of Agincourt Resources, Syaiful Anwar, said that the installation of the arboreal bridge is part of the Company’s commitment to ensure the sustainability of the primate ecosystem around the mining area.
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The arboreal bridge, resembling a suspension bridge and specifically designed for arboreal animals or wildlife that mostly live on the trees, serves as a connector between fragments of the forest in the Martabe Gold Mine area. Through arboreal bridges, primates can freely move to other areas, look for food and breed without being hindered by human activities.
“Arboreal bridges provide flexibility for primates to adapt to environmental changes while reducing the risk of conflict between wildlife and humans,” he said.
Throughout 2023-2024, six species were recorded utilizing the arboreal bridge in the Martabe Gold Mine area. They are the huliap (Presbytis sumatrana), southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), silvery lutung (Trachypithecus cristatus), black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), and small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata).
The Manager – Environmental of Agincourt Resources, Mahmud Subagya, added that the arboreal bridge is a concrete example of how the mining industry can coexist with efforts to conserve biodiversity.
“PTAR’s participation in the Asian Primate Symposium reaffirms our commitment to the conservation of Sumatra’s biodiversity while ensuring sustainable mining practices. This project not only provides benefits for wildlife, but also for surrounding community and the next generation,” said Mahmud.
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The arboreal bridge at Martabe Gold Mine has become a significant milestone in efforts to protect the ecological wealth of Sumatra’s nature. This project proves that with strong commitment, a balance can be achieved between economic development and environmental preservation.
In addition, two other researches on biodiversity conservation at the Martabe Gold Mine were presented at the Asian Primate Symposium 2024. The research was conducted by students from the National University, Jakarta, during their internship at PTAR. They are Dimas Firdiyanto and Fathiya Rahma.
Through a research entitled ‘Spacing Behaviour of Presbytis Sumatrana in Martabe Gold Mine Forest Batang Toru,’ Dimas shows that the spacing behaviour of huliap in fragmented forests can be a consideration for PTAR management to build artificial corridors.
Meanwhile, Fathiya’s research entitled ‘Presbytis sumatrana Daily Activity and Feeding Behaviour in the Concession Forest, Batang Toru’ provides important insights into the daily activities and feeding behaviour of the huliap, which can be used to protect the huliap and its habitat as well as assist in environmental management around the mining area.
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“During 4 months of our internship and do the research at PTAR, we found a lot of efforts from PTAR in biodiversity conservation in Batang Toru region, as well as the implantation of strict rules for employees to protect the environment,” said Fathiya.
To protect biodiversity, PTAR periodically rehabilitates and reclaims the ex-mining areas. Throughout 2023 – 2024, PTAR’s various biodiversity initiatives have been undertaken. Various PTAR biodiversity initiatives have been undertaken. For example, biodiversity surveys of flora and fauna in the original forest area around the Martabe Gold Mine, enriching local plants and primate feed in several conservation areas, planning the construction of a research station, and developing a Mycology Laboratory, Biodiversity Laboratory, and Microbiology Laboratory.
