TBS recognizes the impact of its operations on land use and ecosystems. We are committed to developing a comprehensive and long-term land rehabilitation strategy that minimizes our footprint and actively restores degraded ecosystems. This strategy has been implemented across all our sectors – coal mining, coal-fired power plants, palm oil plantations and mills, renewable energy, and waste management.
We also work closely with local communities and NGOs to ensure any projects are as beneficial as possible. Responsible environmental stewardship begins with understanding the local ecosystem. Near one of our power plants, we initiated a biodiversity assessment. Rather than conducting this solely through external experts, we actively engaged the local community to gather their valuable insights on the surrounding flora and fauna. This collaborative approach not only provided valuable data but also fostered trust and a sense of ownership within the community.
Within each operational sector there are also a number of best practices and initiatives towards stronger land rehabilitation. As mining progresses, we will concurrently reclaim mined land. This may involve regrading, soil amendment, and planting native vegetation to restore ecological functions and prevent long-term environmental damage. We also work with stakeholders to develop long-term plans for the post-mining use of reclaimed land. This could involve transforming the land into forests, grasslands, or even suitable agricultural areas, depending on the specific site and community needs. We have also explored opportunities to create new habitats around coal-fired power plants, such as pollinator gardens or native wildlife corridors, to enhance biodiversity and provide ecosystem services.
TBS is committed to eliminating deforestation from our palm oil supply chain. We support sustainable palm oil production practices defined by Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). These help to minimize land-use changes and prioritize existing agricultural land. We also reserve a portion of our plantation land as conservation set-asides, thus protecting high-conservation value areas and providing habitats for endangered species.
Finally, when developing renewable energy projects, we carefully consider the potential impact on land and prioritize sites with minimal ecological significance. In addition, we explore co-location opportunities with existing infrastructure to minimize land disturbances.