Assessment towards mine closure within IPPKH (Permit of Using Forest Area): Study case of a coal mining Licence at Taba Penanjung, Central Bengkulu, Indonesia

¹ University of Bengkulu, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry Department, Bengkulu, Indonesia
² Bukit Sunur Mining Company, Post Mining Superintendent, Bengkulu, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: herysuhartoyo@unib.ac.id

Abstract

Mine closure is an inevitable event within the mining business; however, post-mining land use is always intended for further beneficial use for further development, mostly to reach a landscape that sustain and give further benefit after the mining operation has finished. One of the mining licence schemes is the permit of using forest area (IPPKH). One of the mining companies at Central Bengkulu has experienced phasing out production towards mine closure. The query is how the mining-affected area can be reclaimed and rehabilitated to become a healthy forest ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the closure criteria based on mine closure regulations. Data were collected from stages of operation according to assessment of mine closure, particularly from rehabilitation sites. The results indicate that rehabilitation sites showed significant re-vegetation of mining-affected areas (dumping area and in-pit backfilling area) and progression to become forested areas, as depicted by structural development of re-forested sites. The overall score is within the suitable range of “good post-mine closure” but require examination and supervision if after mining, the areas are expected to have economic value.