
As part of the Merdeka group that is committed to sustainable mining, BKP-BTR applies an efficient and environmentally friendly leaching method to extract copper content from the ore that is mined. Water consumption for mining operations originates from the Lurang River, with government permits and regularly monitored, is treated with a closed water system that recycles all the water needed for operations. BKP-BTR regularly monitors the quality of the environment: river and sea water near the estuary, as well as flora and fauna; and carry out progressive reclamation once each area is mined.
The presence of BKP-BTR on one of the remote island in Indonesia provides benefits for communities around the mine, especially in Lurang Village and Uhak Village. BKP-BTR provides electricity and clean water for 236 families in Lurang Village and 98 families in Uhak Village. In addition, BKP-BTR also employs more than 65 percent of the community around the mine and prioritizes local suppliers for operational needs. BKP-BTR also supports various social programs, from providing training, skills, and scholarships, to capacity building for local institutions and businesses, including the production and marketing of forest honey and cashews.
BKP-BTR who are highly committed to work safety have reached 14 million working hours without work accidents (January 2018–December 2021). Nearly 90 percent of the copper plate produced by the Wetar Copper Mine is exported abroad and the rest is marketed domestically.
To take advantage of the remaining mineral content that naturally cannot be extracted into copper but still has economic value, Merdeka formed the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Project which will process the excess mineral content into an important raw material for batteries for green energy. The AIM project is run by PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia which was founded by Merdeka with Eternal Tsingshan Group Limited, and is located in the Morowali industrial complex, Central Sulawesi. The existence of the AIM Project will increase production and extend the life of the Wetar Copper Mine.