Ecobiz.asia — PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), operator of the Martabe Gold Mine in North Sumatra, has announced a biodiversity conservation initiative covering about 5,700 hectares in the Batang Toru ecosystem, home to the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan, one of the rarest great ape species in the world, according to the IUCN.
The announcement was made during a session titled “Beyond Extraction: Exploring Biodiversity Refugia in Indonesian Production Landscapes” at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Monday (Oct 13, 2025).
PTAR Vice President Director Ruli Tanio said the initiative marks a key milestone in sustainable mining practices focused on measurable conservation outcomes.
“Our commitment goes beyond the mine’s operational boundaries. By designating 2,000 hectares within our concession as managed refugia and developing a large-scale biodiversity offset project, we aim to ensure long-term protection of the Batang Toru ecosystem,” Ruli said.
PTAR is implementing a two-pronged strategy to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity. The first involves designating around 2,000 hectares within its Contract of Work (CoW) as refugia areas, serving as ecological corridors and buffer zones for key wildlife species, including the Tapanuli orangutan.
The second includes establishing a 3,700-hectare biodiversity offset project outside the mining area as an ecological compensation initiative to protect and restore high conservation value habitats.
The company has also built an orangutan research station and a conservation laboratory, and installed arboreal bridges and camera traps to monitor wildlife movement.
All of PTAR’s biodiversity strategies are overseen by a Biodiversity Advisory Panel (BAP) comprising national and international scientists.
“Through strategic planning and scientific collaboration, the extractive sector can become a genuine partner in reversing biodiversity loss,” Ruli added. ***
