Technological advancement has brought many benefits to human life. Devices such as mobile phones, computers, and various electronic equipment used in households and industry help improve efficiency and productivity. However, behind this convenience lies a new environmental challenge: the increasing volume of electronic waste, commonly referred to as electronic waste (e-waste).
The Global E-waste Monitor report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) recorded that the world generated around 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022. This figure is projected to rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030. Unfortunately, only about 22.3% of this waste is formally collected and recycled. The majority is managed through undocumented channels or even ends up in landfill sites.
This situation is particularly concerning because electronic devices contain various hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and chemical compounds known as brominated flame retardants, which are used to slow the spread of fire in electronic equipment. If not managed properly, these substances can contaminate the environment and pose risks to human health.
In Indonesia, the challenge of managing e-waste is also significant. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, Indonesia generated approximately 1.6 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2019. The growing use of mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices continues to increase the volume of electronic waste each year. Meanwhile, formal collection and recycling systems are still developing, meaning that some waste is handled by the informal sector, which may not always meet safety and environmental protection standards.
In industrial operations, including those of Agincourt Resources, the use of electronic equipment is also extensive. Process control systems, environmental monitoring sensors, computers, servers, communication radios, and heavy equipment control panels all rely on electronic components. As technology evolves and equipment is replaced, some of these devices eventually become electronic waste that must be managed responsibly.
Responsible e-waste management begins with asset inventory, which involves recording each electronic device to monitor its lifespan and operational status. When a device is no longer in use, the company first evaluates whether it can be repaired, reused, or have its components repurposed as spare parts. If this is not possible, the equipment is then categorised as electronic waste.
Electronic waste is subsequently separated based on type and potential hazards and temporarily stored in facilities that meet the standards for managing hazardous and toxic waste (Bahan Berbahaya dan Beracun or B3 waste). The waste is then sent to licensed waste management companies.
In its operations, electronic waste from Agincourt Resources is delivered to PT Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri (PPLI), a hazardous waste management company licensed to transport, treat, and dispose of hazardous waste. Through treatment at certified facilities, hazardous components can be handled safely, while valuable materials such as copper and other metals can be recovered through recycling processes.
As the global volume of electronic waste continues to grow, e-waste management can no longer be regarded as a secondary issue. For Agincourt Resources, managing electronic waste in compliance with regulations is part of its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, as well as an effort to protect the environment for future generations.
