Belitung, 14 January 2026 — A former tin mining pond in Belitung was successfully rehabilitated and repurposed as a freshwater aquaculture pond through a technology-based approach and cross-sector collaboration. The initiative marked an important milestone in sustainable post-mining land utilization.
Throughout the project, Algatek Karbon Nusantara, in collaboration with Berikanesia Lestari, supported the improvement of water quality through the application of microalgae-based technology. This approach enabled natural bioremediation, reducing contaminants, stabilizing water parameters, and gradually restoring the pond’s suitability for freshwater fish cultivation.
Implemented in 2025, the project initially encountered significant challenges. Early observations showed that approximately 700 out of 1,000 tilapia fingerlings died within the first seven days, mainly due to heavy metal contamination, suboptimal pH levels, and high mineral content in the former mining pond.
Following continuous treatment and monitoring, the pond’s condition improved significantly. Monitoring and Evaluation conducted on 14 January 2026, confirmed positive results, where 3,000 tilapia fingerlings grew from approximately 1.5 finger-length to around 3 finger-length within 24 days. These results were supported by low contamination levels (0 ppm) and normalized pH conditions.
This project demonstrates how microalgae-based solutions can play a critical role in restoring degraded aquatic ecosystems while enhancing freshwater aquaculture productivity. Beyond environmental recovery, the initiative highlights the potential for sustainable post-mining land use to deliver long-term value for local communities and stakeholders.
