New research commissioned by corporate accountability group Ekō and conducted by WALHI exposes Adaro Group’s mining activity outside government-mandated concession areas and violations of environmental regulations in South Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Click here to read the report "In Coal Blood: How Adaro is Destroying Indonesian Biodiversity"
Using satellite imagery and government data, this research shows that Adaro is mining in protected forest areas with potentially devastating loss of biodiversity as well as placing toxic coal wastewater storage ponds in nearby villages, breaching environmental regulations.
Other key findings:
- Adaro’s mining activities have spurred land conflicts among residents at the Tabalong Regency, in Bilas Village, Upau District since early 2005 and Wonorejo Village in Juai District, Balangan Regency, South Kalimantan since 2006.
- Government representatives from South Kalimantan highlighted that mining activities conducted in forest areas must have a Forest Utilization Business Permit and follow the Amdal or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document as part of its mining operations approval. Adaro must establish that it is not illegally mining for coal in South Kalimantan and has fulfilled its EIA obligations. If found in violation of regulations, Adaro could face sanctions such as large fines, suspension of operations, and even revocation of mining permits.
Click here to read the report "In Coal Blood: How Adaro is Destroying Indonesian Biodiversity"
This research also shows that Adaro’s coal expansion plans are incompatible with global climate goals. Its decarbonization journey is neither credible nor Paris-aligned but western banks are continuing to fund Adaro’s coal expansion. By continuing to fund Adaro, banks are fueling a coal expansion in complete contradiction with global climate goals. They must immediately deny any new debt or equity to Adaro and sell off existing holdings in a phased and timely manner.
More information
Eko. 5 June 2024.
Toxic Bonds. 1 April 2024.