Sustainable Mining Practices: PT Agincourt Resources Sets Up Arboreal Bridges to Protect Wildlife
In a pioneering effort to preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable mining practices, PT Agincourt Resources, the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine in North Sumatra, has set up 13 arboreal bridges fitted with camera traps to connect forest fragments within the gold mine’s area.
Benefits of Arboreal Bridges
According to Syaiful Anwar, the company’s superintendent of environmental site support, the arboreal bridges allow primates to move freely to other areas, forage, and breed without being hindered by human activities. "Arboreal bridges give flexibility to primates to adapt to environmental changes while reducing the risk of human-animal conflict," he said.
Research and Innovation
The innovation is the result of research titled "Arboreal Bridges for Sustainable Human-Primates Coexistence within Ecologies Adaptation at Martabe Gold Mine," presented at the 9th Asian Primates Symposium at North Sumatra University, held from November 23–27. Between 2023 and 2024, six species were observed using the arboreal bridges: the black Sumatran langur (Presbytis sumatrana), the macaque (Macaca nemestrina), the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the gray langur (Trachypithecus cristatus), the black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), and the Javanese small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata).
Commitment to Preserving Biodiversity
Agincourt Resources’ environmental manager, Mahmud Subagya, said that the research and innovation are evidence of the company’s commitment to preserving Sumatra’s biodiversity while ensuring sustainable mining practices. "The project will not only benefit wildlife but also surrounding communities and future generations," he added.
Company’s Environmental Efforts
In addition to setting up arboreal bridges, the company has been periodically rehabilitating and reclaiming former mining sites in the areas where it operates in Batang Toru, Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra. The company has also conducted a survey of flora and fauna biodiversity in the forest area around the mining sites, enriched local plants and primate feed in several conservation areas, planned the construction of research stations, and developed a mycology laboratory, biodiversity laboratory, and microbiology laboratory.
Conclusion
The innovative use of arboreal bridges by PT Agincourt Resources is a significant step towards preserving Sumatra’s biodiversity and ensuring sustainable mining practices. The company’s commitment to protecting wildlife and surrounding communities is a testament to its responsible business practices.
FAQs
Q: What are arboreal bridges?
A: Arboreal bridges are structures that connect tree fragments to allow primates and other wildlife to move freely through the forest.
Q: Why are arboreal bridges important?
A: Arboreal bridges reduce the risk of human-animal conflict, allow primates to adapt to environmental changes, and promote biodiversity.
Q: What other environmental efforts has PT Agincourt Resources undertaken?
A: The company has rehabilitated and reclaimed former mining sites, conducted surveys of flora and fauna biodiversity, enriched local plants and primate feed, planned the construction of research stations, and developed laboratories for mycology, biodiversity, and microbiology.