Carbon stock estimation in post-mining reclamation area of open coal mining in PT Berau Coal, Berau, East Kalimantan

Abstract

Postmining land reclamation and revegetation activities play an important role in restoring vegetation, degraded land and controlling climate change because CO2 is sinking from the atmosphere due to the impact of mining activities. This study aims to estimate the potential for above-ground and below-ground carbon and CO2 absorption capacity at the Binungan Mine Operations Site (BMO), PT Berau Coal, Berau, East Kalimantan. Vegetation analysis was used to estimate the potential carbon stock and CO2 absorption capacity at plant ages 1-10 years using the purposive sampling method of 5 plots (20 x 20 m) each in the post-mining area studied. Biomass and carbon stocks were estimated using existing allometric models. The results showed 14 tree species from 10 families dominated by Fabaceae. Biomass was estimated at 1.13 - 128.31 Mg ha-1, carbon stocks were 0.53-60.3 Mg ha-1, and CO2 absorption was 1.95 - 221.32 Mg ha-1. Reclamation and revegetation in 10 year-old plants on reclamaied land can restore biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 absorption capacity of 70% from the initial baseline.