The Martabe Gold Mine is recognised as one of Indonesia’s largest gold and silver mining projects. As mining activities continue to increase, maintaining air quality in the surrounding areas has become essential. Why is this so important? Because clean air is a key factor in safeguarding both environmental sustainability and the health of nearby communities.
Why is Air Quality Monitoring Necessary?
Air quality monitoring around the mining site serves two primary purposes:
• Assessing Environmental Impact
By monitoring air quality, we can evaluate the extent to which mining activities affect the surrounding environment. This information enables both the company and the government to take appropriate action if any negative impacts are detected.
• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
Monitoring efforts also ensure that mining operations comply with the environmental quality standards set by the government. For instance, the Government of Indonesia has regulated this matter through Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management.
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Several key parameters are regularly monitored to assess air quality around the Martabe Gold Mine:
• Particulates (PM10 and PM2.5)
These fine dust particles originate from activities such as drilling, blasting, and transporting mining materials. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, while PM2.5 refers to even finer particles, with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or less. These particles, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and pose health risks.
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
This gas is commonly produced from the combustion of fossil fuels and can cause respiratory problems as well as contribute to acid rain.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
Similar to SO₂, this gas is generated from combustion processes and negatively affects both air quality and respiratory health.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A highly dangerous gas that is colourless and odourless, CO can bind to oxygen in the bloodstream, reducing the body’s oxygen supply.
• Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
TSP represents the total amount of airborne particles, including but not limited to PM10 and PM2.5.
Air quality monitoring around the Martabe Gold Mine is part of fulfilling the company’s Environmental Management Plan (RKL) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (RPL). The purpose of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (RKL/RPL) is to identify sources of environmental impacts from an activity and to plan management efforts to minimize those impacts. Furthermore, environmental monitoring is carried out as a benchmark to assess the effectiveness of the company’s environmental management efforts.
Monitoring is conducted regularly, every three months, in accordance with the environmental monitoring plan. Air quality assessments are carried out by accredited laboratories, which means these laboratories meet recognised standards and possess the required technical competence. The monitoring results are then compared to the air quality standards outlined in Annex VII of Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 regarding Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Based on environmental monitoring reports, the air quality around the Martabe Gold Mine generally remains below the government’s maximum threshold limits, indicating that the management efforts implemented have been effective.
Agincourt Resources, the company operating the Martabe Gold Mine, has undertaken several initiatives to manage air pollution, particularly the concentration of TSP or dust within the operational area. One of the primary strategies is regular water spraying along access roads and main roads. This water spraying activity is intensified during the dry season to minimise dust dispersion.
Through consistent monitoring and continuous management efforts, the Agincourt Resources remains committed to maintaining air quality and protecting the environment in the surrounding operational areas.
If you are interested in learning more about the initiatives and contributions of PT. Agincourt Resources, including their gold mining and processing activities, you can click here.
