MOE Regulation No. 09 of 2006 on Wastewater Quality Standards for Nickel Ore Mining

Regulation of the State Minister of Environment Number 09 of 2006 on Wastewater Quality Standards for Nickel Ore Mining Businesses and/or Activities sets out guidelines concerning the wastewater quality standards for nickel ore mining businesses and activities, which are defined to include mining (extraction, transportation and stockpiling), processing (crushing, grinding, floatation, leaching, concentration, drying, smelting, and purification), and mine closure activities. 

It stipulates the maximum levels and numbers of pollutants that may be present in the wastewater that is discharged into water sources from nickel ore mining businesses and activities. However, a stricter standard would apply if the result of a business/activity’s feasibility study as part of its environmental license (AMDAL or UKL-UPL) requires a stricter wastewater quality standard than that stipulated in the regulation.

Wastewater originating from nickel ore mining is required to be processed such that it does not exceed the applicable wastewater quality standard. The person in charge of the nickel mining business/activity is required to:

• conduct a study of the location of wastewater treatment points to obtain a wastewater discharge permit
• conduct daily self-monitoring of wastewater quality 
• periodically examine the processed wastewater for adherence to applicable standards in an accredited laboratory at least once a month
• analyse the wastewater and submit reports of the result at least once every three months every year to the relevant authorities. 

These obligations are relevant considerations for the issuance of a wastewater discharge permit in accordance with the prevailing regulation.

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