Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, which comprises true dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera). They inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, gardens, rice fields, rivers and lakes.

Spending More Time in Water

Most of a dragonfly’s life cycle is spent as an aquatic larva or nymph, lasting from several months to several years. During this stage, dragonfly larvae prey on mosquito larvae, aquatic worms and other small organisms.

Because they require well-oxygenated and relatively clean water, dragonfly larvae are sensitive to changes in water quality. Pollution can reduce their populations, while improving water conditions can allow dragonflies to return.

A Natural Bioindicator

Their dependence on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats makes dragonflies bioindicators—organisms that can help reveal environmental conditions. Changes in the abundance and diversity of dragonfly species can signal changes in habitat quality.

The greater the diversity of dragonflies found in an area, the stronger the indication that the aquatic ecosystem is capable of supporting a wide range of organisms.

Part of the Food Chain

Dragonflies also contribute to maintaining ecosystem balance. Their larvae help control aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae, while adult dragonflies prey on a variety of insects. At the same time, dragonflies serve as a food source for fish, birds, frogs, reptiles and bats.

As a result, a decline in dragonfly populations can affect the balance of the food chain.

Protecting Habitats, Sustaining Ecosystems

Land-use change, water pollution, excessive pesticide use, and shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature can threaten dragonfly populations. Maintaining water quality, protecting wetlands, preserving vegetation along riverbanks and restoring habitats are important measures for supporting their survival.

In river rehabilitation and the reclamation of former mining areas, dragonfly abundance and diversity can serve as one of the indicators of ecosystem recovery.

Ultimately, dragonflies remind us that environmental health can be reflected in the smallest creatures within an ecosystem. Protecting dragonfly habitats therefore also means safeguarding water quality, ecosystem balance and the many forms of life that depend on them.

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In Indonesia, the implementation of Good Mining Practice is not merely an operational standard, but a mandatory requirement regulated under Law Number 3 of 2020 and further strengthened through Ministerial Decree of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 1827 K/30/MEM/2018 as a technical guideline for conducting responsible mining activities.

In practice, Good Mining Practice begins at the mine planning stage. Companies cannot focus solely on extracting high-grade ore or cherry picking, but must ensure that mining plans are developed comprehensively, covering exploration, operations, and mine closure while referring to valid data and applicable technical standards.

Safety remains one of the highest priorities in the implementation of GMP. All operational activities must be supported by the implementation of the Mining Safety Management System (SMKP), effective risk control measures, and ensuring that every worker possesses competencies aligned with their respective roles and responsibilities.

From an environmental perspective, GMP ensures that mined-out areas are not simply left unmanaged until the end of mine life. Top soil separated during the early stages of operations is carefully stored to preserve its quality, before being reused during reclamation and revegetation processes so that land can be progressively restored. The management of acid mine drainage and tailings is also carried out through systems and technologies specifically designed to minimise potential impacts on the surrounding environment.

Beyond technical and environmental aspects, Good Mining Practice also places communities as an essential part of sustainable operations. Through Community Development and Empowerment Programmes mining companies must ensure their presence creates sustainable economic benefits, ranging from prioritising local employment opportunities, empowering local SMEs and vendors, to developing infrastructure that meets community needs. This approach forms an important part of maintaining the social licence to operate, or public trust towards company operations.

Although the implementation of GMP faces various challenges, including investment in environmentally friendly technology, complex geographical conditions, and pressure to meet production targets, these principles remain a critical foundation in ensuring mining operations are carried out responsibly and sustainably.

Through the consistent implementation of Good Mining Practice, the mining industry continues to demonstrate that responsible operations do not simply generate economic value, but also leave behind well-managed environments, stronger and more independent communities, and sustainable benefits for future generations.

The post When Mining Grows in Harmony with Nature and Communities appeared first on Agincourt Resources.

Syaiful explained that the reclamation process utilizes phytoremediation, a soil restoration technique that uses plants capable of absorbing heavy metals. The selected plant species include Hibiscus tiliaceus, Samanea saman, and Macaranga tanarius. By the end of 2024, Agincourt Resources had successfully reclaimed 39.32 hectares of land, restoring soil fertility in former mining areas. 

Gold processing at the Martabe Gold Mine uses the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) method, which is safer and more efficient than traditional practices, and no longer involves the use of mercury. Instead, cyanide is used, which naturally degrades more easily and is environmentally safe when properly managed. This technology is supported by a waste and water management system that complies with national environmental standards. 

These initiatives are part of Agincourt Resources’ commitment to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The company upholds seven core ESG principles: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy management, water management, waste management, occupational health and safety, community development, and sound corporate governance. These principles are aligned with the sustainability vision of PT Astra International Tbk, the parent company. 

Through its participation in ICoBio 2025, Agincourt Resources not only shared best practices in environmental management but also demonstrated a strong collaboration between industry and science in advancing a more responsible and environmentally friendly mining future. 

The post Planting Hope, Restoring Land: Agincourt Resources’ Reclamation Innovation Takes the Global Bioscience Stage appeared first on Agincourt Resources.