PANGKALPINANG -- The ocean plays a vital role in supporting life and maintaining ecosystems. It holds vast potential and natural wealth. PT Timah Tbk, a tin mining company operating offshore, is committed to implementing responsible mining practices.
By applying the principles of good mining practice, PT Timah manages marine tin resources for the benefit of the nation and society. Tin is a strategic metal needed to support the manufacturing and technology industries.
Indonesia, possessing tin reserves that many countries lack, holds a strategic position as one of the world's largest tin producers. Offshore tin mining is also an effort to safeguard Indonesia’s tin reserves.
In managing offshore tin resources, PT Timah does more than just mine. The company has initiated various sustainable programs to preserve marine and coastal ecosystems.
Some of PT Timah's efforts to protect marine and coastal ecosystems include the deployment of artificial reefs, coral transplantation, fish shelters, mangrove planting, seawater quality monitoring, and restocking of mangrove crabs and squid as part of marine reclamation programs.
Between 2016 and 2024, the company has transplanted 1,475 coral units, deployed 3,105 fish shelters, sunk 7,680 artificial reefs, and restocked 40,435 squid in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. These artificial reefs not only serve as fish breeding grounds but also help restore marine ecosystems.
Marine reclamation has also been carried out in the Riau Islands Province, including the installation of 2,360 meters of abrasion barriers, the planting of 12.81 hectares of mangroves, and the restocking of 3,800 crabs from 2017 to 2024.
PT Timah carries out marine reclamation in collaboration with local communities, regional governments, fishermen, and civil society organizations.
The marine reclamation programs by PT Timah, a member of the Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID) holding, aim not only to protect marine ecosystems but also to support underwater tourism, such as the coral garden installation in Putri Island, Bangka Regency.
PT Timah also empowers fishermen groups through the artificial reef program, involving them directly in the construction, deployment, and maintenance of the reefs. This enables fishermen to benefit from newly created fishing grounds that help improve their catches.
“Sustainable operations must go hand in hand with environmental protection. The company implements various programs to preserve marine ecosystems by involving community groups, including fishermen,” said PT Timah’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan.
According to Anggi, protecting the ocean is not just about environmental conservation, but also about supporting the economic sustainability of surrounding communities.
“Through empowerment programs, the company and local fishermen preserve marine ecosystems while also developing sustainable marine-based businesses such as marine tourism or seafood processing. These steps are expected to build a harmonious relationship between industrial activities and environmental sustainability while creating added value for surrounding communities,” Anggi added.
Marine potential must be optimized to support economic development and improve community welfare, but it must be managed with sustainability principles and environmental preservation in mind.
These initiatives demonstrate that the offshore mining sector can coexist and synergize with other sectors in preserving coastal ecosystems, creating a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects.
