ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION ANALYSIS OF POST-COAL MINING LAND AS A BASIS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Coal mining contributes significantly to economic development and energy supply for communities and industries. However, these activities often cause substantial environmental changes, particularly in land conditions after mining operations cease. Post-mining areas frequently experience environmental degradation, including reduced soil fertility, water contamination, landscape alteration, and disruption of ecological balance. Assessing environmental conditions in post-mining land is therefore essential to support sustainable environmental management and effective land reclamation planning. This study examines environmental conditions in former coal mining areas by analyzing soil quality, water quality, and vegetation conditions to understand the level of environmental degradation and ecosystem recovery. The research applied a descriptive quantitative approach through field observations and laboratory analysis. Soil and water samples were collected from several observation points within a post-mining site in South Kalimantan. Soil analysis included parameters such as pH, organic carbon content, and essential nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Water quality parameters included pH, total suspended solids (TSS), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Vegetation conditions were also observed to evaluate ecological recovery in the study area. The results indicate that soil conditions in the post-mining land are characterized by acidic pH (4.8), low organic matter content (1.25%), and limited nutrient availability, indicating poor soil fertility. Water quality analysis shows acidic conditions with a pH of 4.2 and TSS values reaching 356 mg/L, exceeding the environmental standard of 200 mg/L. Iron and manganese concentrations also exceed permitted environmental limits. Vegetation observations show limited plant growth dominated by pioneer species, indicating that ecosystem recovery has not yet progressed optimally. These findings highlight the need for integrated environmental management strategies to support sustainable post-mining land restoration.