ANTAM's nickel mining operations through the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit have demonstrated success in preserving biodiversity and the environment. There are 2 conservation areas within the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit area, namely the TLE-TLF reclamation area and the Karamba Hakatutobu conservation area. The success can be seen in the reclamation areas, one of which is the TLE-TLF hill area that has been reclaimed since 2015. Within a few years, a variety of fauna species were discovered, such as 28 bird species, one reptile species and 2 mammal species in this region. One of the most exotic species, the "Kangkareng Sulawesi" or Sulawesi Hornbill (Rhabdotorhinus Exarhatus), is attracting attention. This bird is not only protected by the Indonesian government, but also by the World Animal Trade Regulations, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) because of its status as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The success of the Kolaka nickel mine operation can also be seen in the discovery of endemic mammals such as the "Digo Monkey" or the typical Sulawesi Macaca Monkey.
The discovery of endemic and protected animal species in the TLE-TLF Hill area has increased every year based on the annual monitoring of biodiversity. The increase in the discovery of endemic and protected species is one of the successful efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity carried out by ANTAM Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit.
Endemic & protected animal species at Bukit TLE-TLF
Source: Biodiversity monitoring report 2022
Meanwhile, in the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit area there are also typical Sulawesi macaque monkeys (Macaca Ochreata). Macaca Ochreata is also an attraction in this area of operation because there are two types of monkeys, namely the white and black fur, which live in groups and are omnivores. This old monkey lives foraging during the day and spending time in the trees. Body length reaches 50-59 cm and has no tail. These monkeys can be found in almost all areas, especially in virgin and reclaimed forest areas.
The success of the conservation operation is also evident from the discovery of exotic birds and species endemic to Sulawesi, including the carnivorous bird, the Sulawesi Snake Eagle (Spilornis rufipectus). This eagle is an endemic species in Sulawesi with a body length of 40-50 cm. Observations were obtained in the “TLE-TLF” conservation area.
Another conservation area is the Karamba Hakatutobu located in Hakatutobu Village, Pomalaa District. This is a conservation area with an area of 100 m x 100 m which was developed by the local community using dead coral and mountain rock.
ANTAM through the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit plays a role in educating and promoting awareness of biodiversity to the village community and youth. Coral transplantation efforts in Karamba have been carried out since 2016. Coral transplantation and educational efforts have produced more than 1,000 coral seedlings and more than 45 species of reef fish in 2022 with a KEHATI index value of 2.17 in the Karamba area.
Coral seed fragment at Karamba Hakatutobu
Source: Biodiversity monitoring report 2022
While in the Karamba area you can find endangered species Hippopu hippopus protected by CITES international trade law, besides that there are also species such as napoleon fish and parrotfish which are rarely seen in Kolaka waters.
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