963 Figure 1 – Distribution of Illegal Mining in Indonesia 3.1 Environmental Impacts Informal and illegal mining activities lead to significant environmental degradation, including: 1. Water Pollution and Quality Degradation Illegal mining causes a drastic decline in water quality through the direct discharge of toxic waste into rivers, such as mercury (Hg), cyanide, and high levels of sediment. These activities result in turbid and acidic water contaminated with heavy metals, rendering it unfit for consumption, destroying aquatic ecosystems, and threatening public health. Figure 2 – Basamuk Bay waters, Papua New Guinea, discolored by toxic waste from a Chinese-owned nickel mine in 2019 2. Landscape Degradation and Deforestation Illegal mining causes permanent ecological damage, including the loss of forest cover, soil erosion, and mercury contamination, particularly in areas such as the new national capital (IKN) and Sumatra. These activities destroy wildlife habitats, trigger floods and landslides due to decreased water absorption, and lead to state financial losses and social conflict. Figure 3 – Forest deforestation in West Sumatra
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