The coal mining industry is known as one of the sectors with high-risk jobs. The potential for workplace accidents and environmental impacts is an aspect of the job, from upstream to downstream, that requires special attention to Safety and the Environment.

In facing these challenges, every coal contractor must continuously innovate to ensure worker safety and the sustainability of operations in a safe and productive manner. One important step in achieving this goal is through transformation in the field of safety.

Transformation in Safety: Prioritizing Technology and Innovation

Transformation in safety within the coal mining industry is not just about changing procedures, but also adopting the latest technologies and innovations. With the continuous advancement of technology, coal contractors can now utilize various tools and systems to improve the management of workplace safety programs.

One example of a transformative program is the use of wearable devices such as dashcams, which can monitor the physical condition of workers while operating units in real-time. With this tool, companies can detect signs of fatigue, hazardous actions/conditions, or stress in workers while operating the units, allowing them to take preventive actions before accidents occur and analyze recorded data for continuous improvements.

In addition, the use of drones for mining area inspections has also become an important innovation. Drones can reach areas that are difficult for humans to access, such as providing a broader view of the mining process and offering accurate data about the field conditions.

Innovation in implementing the Plan Do Check Action (PDCA) cycle is also one of the strategies for rolling out safety and environmental management programs in the workplace. In this approach, employees are encouraged, whether in small or large groups, to collaborate, discuss, and share ideas based on identified issues, turning them into more effective and efficient programs to achieve the safety goals set together.

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Digitization Process in Safety: Efficiency and Accuracy

The digitalization process in safety is one of the important steps in improving efficiency, analysis, and accuracy in managing workplace safety. With digital systems, coal contractors can manage safety data centrally and in real-time. This allows companies to quickly identify potential risks and take the necessary actions.

A digital-based system that can be implemented includes an incident reporting database, enabling faster and more accurate data management. This allows for better analysis of incidents, and preventive measures can be immediately implemented to reduce the risk of recurrence.

On the other hand, digitalization also supports the management of safety training for employees, making it more interactive and accessible to all workers. This helps increase their awareness and understanding of the importance of workplace safety.

Read also: Coal Shipping: An Efficient Solution for Energy Distribution

Accountability Program: Building a Safety Culture

In addition to technology, building a strong safety culture in the workplace is the key to reducing the risk of accidents. A safety accountability program that measures employee involvement in controlling hazards in their work areas is one of the effective strategies to achieve this goal. This program aims to increase the responsibility of each individual or employee for their own safety, their coworkers, and the work environment.

In the accountability program, each worker is asked to improve awareness in their role by identifying hazardous conditions or actions, such as what should be done to mitigate identified risks, helping to raise awareness among team members, and improving bonding within their teams. As a result, each individual feels they play an important role in maintaining safety in the workplace.

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Task Force Safety: Collaboration for Maximum Safety

The establishment of a safety task force is one of the strategic steps to ensure the implementation of high safety standards by all workers on every project. This task force encourages the team to focus on the programs that have been jointly set to improve safety practices on-site.

With the safety task force in place, the company can ensure that every aspect of safety has been considered and implemented properly. This program also functions to conduct regular evaluations and provide improvement recommendations when needed. Collaboration between the safety task force and project management is key in creating a safe and productive work environment.

In facing high-risk job challenges, coal contractors must continue to innovate and adapt to technological developments. Transformation in safety through the aforementioned steps is an important measure in improving workplace safety.

With strong commitment and collaboration, the coal mining industry can achieve better safety and sustainability goals.

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The coal mining industry plays an important role in Indonesia’s economy, especially as one of the main sources of energy. Coal not only supports domestic energy security but also stands as a significant export commodity, contributing substantially to the nation’s economy.

Indonesia ranks as the world’s third-largest producer and exporter of coal, thanks to its abundant reserves. The industry operates on a large scale, involving thousands of workers and affecting various economic sectors. Sustainability and operational efficiency are key focuses to ensure that the industry can continue to contribute positively without harming the environment.

Responsibilities and Roles of Coal Mine Contractors

Coal mining contractors play a vital role in the overall mining process, responsible for implementing mining activities. Based on the scope of management in the Mining and Mining Service Engineering Principles (Ministerial Regulation of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 26/2018), this includes:

  1. Mining and Mining Service Engineering Principles (Article 2 & Article 5, Paragraph 3)
  2. Obligations of Mining and Mining Service Companies (Article 2 & Article 5, Paragraph 4)
  3. Evaluation of the Application of Mining Service Engineering Principles

This scope ensures that the mining engineering carried out by service businesses adheres to efforts for environmental management, mining safety, mineral and coal conservation, as well as technical mining in accordance with their business fields.

In the operations, mining service businesses must also prioritize the use of domestic products, prioritize local labor, and optimize local spending for both goods and mining services.

The achievement of a Blue PROPER rating by PT. BMBBD, a subsidiary of MCI in the mining sector, demonstrates a commitment to mining operations and mining service activities that consistently implement proper mining engineering and management principles to ensure environmental preservation.

Technology and Innovation in the Mining Industry

The latest technology plays an important role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of the coal mining industry. For example, with the growing reserve volumes and production in China, mining technology and innovation have also advanced rapidly.

Several concepts of heavy equipment have undergone technical transformations, improving productivity and reducing operational costs. One example is the development of the Wide-Body Dump Truck (WBT)—a wide-bodied truck resembling a Rigid Dump Truck in appearance.

coal mining truck

Wide-body dump trucks (WBT) were first developed around 2008 and have gradually gained popularity due to their various advantages, including:

  • The wide design reduces blind spots, improving driving safety. Additionally, the smaller tire size compared to OHT rigid trucks enhances other safety aspects.
  • Its relatively compact size impacts the affordability of spare parts and the unit itself.
  • Lower fuel consumption supports sustainability by reducing carbon emissions while improving operational efficiency.

In addition, more environmentally-friendly mining methods are also being developed to reduce negative impacts on the ecosystem. Mining service providers adopting advanced technologies can significantly enhance mining efficiency by optimizing processes and managing resources more effectively.

Mitra Cakrawala International (MCI), through its subsidiary PT. CPB as a coal mining contractor, has implemented these technologies within its operational areas.

coal mining in indonesia

MCI as a Leading Coal Mining Contractor

Mitra Cakrawala International (MCI) is recognized as one of the leading coal mining contractors in Indonesia. With a complete fleet of heavy equipment and years of experience in the mining industry, MCI offers comprehensive and reliable mining solutions.

Mitra Cakrawala International (MCI) has expanded its energy business since 1996, starting as a heavy equipment dealer and growing into mining services, acquiring mining business licenses, and establishing a shipping & trading division for coal commodities, supplying both domestic and international energy markets.

MCI offers comprehensive and reliable mining solutions. MCI’s strength lies in its commitment to safety and the environment, as well as its proven track record in successfully completing large-scale projects.

MCI not only focuses on operational efficiency, but also on service integration that covers the entire mining chain, from exploration to coal delivery. With a results-oriented and sustainability approach, MCI provides more value to clients and contributes positively to the coal mining industry in Indonesia.

As a coal mining contractor committed to best practice, Mitra Cakrawala International continues to innovate and adapt to technological developments to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

Therefore, MCI serves not only as a mining service provider but also as a strategic partner for companies relying on coal as a primary energy source. This advantage makes MCI the ideal choice for companies seeking a dependable coal mining contractor committed to sustainability.

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