Mining activities often destroy critical habitats for endangered species. In Kalimantan, for instance, coal mining has led to significant forest fragmentation, severing natural corridors for wildlife. According to a study by Global Forest Watch, Kalimantan lost more than 604 million hectares of forest cover between 2001 and 2018, largely due to mining and plantation activities (Global Forest Watch 2019).
Case Study: Coal Mining in Kalimantan
Coal mining in Kalimantan has not only caused deforestation but also impacted the region's biodiversity. Fragmented forests can no longer support healthy wildlife populations, including the orangutan, whose numbers have plummeted (Meijaard et al. 2018).
Chemical Pollution
Mining waste, especially from gold mines, often contains toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can contaminate water and soil. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology revealed that gold mining activities in Poboya, Central Sulawesi, have caused mercury pollution in the Poboya River, affecting the health of local communities (Aspinall & Sukmara 2019). Environmental pollution in Gayo is a frequent occurrence; nearly every company operating in Gayo Lues has left behind a legacy of environmental damage, as evidenced by the many fallen trees in the exploitation areas of Rikit Gaib---a clear sign of the government's lack of serious oversight.
Water Pollution Case in Freeport, Papua
Gold and copper mining at the Grasberg mine in Papua, one of the largest mines in the world, has caused severe pollution in the surrounding rivers. According to a report by Amnesty International (2018), tailings from this mine have led to elevated levels of heavy metals in the Ajkwa River, damaging aquatic ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
Soil Erosion and FloodingÂ
The loss of vegetation due to mining activities often results in severe soil erosion. Land without vegetative cover is prone to erosion, leading to landslides and flooding. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management found that soil erosion caused by tin mining on Bangka Island has reduced soil fertility and increased sedimentation in rivers (Pratiwi et al. 2020).
Long-term Impacts on Agricultural Land
Land degradation due to mining also affects agriculture in surrounding areas. In South Sulawesi, for example, nickel mining has damaged agricultural land, reducing crop productivity and leading to a decline in income for local farmers (Sembiring et al. 2017).
