From gold mine to nature park

As you know, the excavation of gold has a major impact on the landscape. Large areas of forest are removed and at the end of the gold mine's lifespan a large pit remains where nothing grows anymore. Newmont Mining is aware of this and therefore started a ambitious project in Indonesia...

In cooperation with the local and national authorities, an old abandoned gold mine was transformed into a nature park. In 2011, Newmont Mining transferred the 438-acre area to the government of Indonesia and hundreds of thousands of trees of various species were planted. 9 kilometres of canal were also built to make the area fertile again and prevent flooding.

Nature reserve

The result is impressive, because three years later the old gold mine is full of mahogany, teak, nyatoh and sengon trees. It is a nice gesture to combat the global problem of deforestation, a problem in which gold mines also have a share. A lot of permits had to be applied for for this project. The initiators also had to investigate the impact the construction of the forest and the canal on the environment.

The afforestation of the former gold mine in Indonesia can have a positive impact on the local population. The new park, once completed, could attract thousands of visitors annually from the region and from around the world who could boost the local economy. After all, visitors to the park have to pay an entrance fee, a small source of income from which the region can earn money for years to come.

Organizations such as the World Gold Council (WGC) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) have launched numerous initiatives to help mining companies with these types of sustainability projects.