BRIN Recommends Risk-Based Management of Tin Mining Residue in East Belitung

RRI.CO.ID, Belitung - Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has recommended that the East Belitung Regency Government establish an integrated, risk-based system for managing tin mining residue. The recommendation follows a BRIN assessment of radioactive potential found in residue from tin mining operations in the regency, one of Indonesia's largest tin-producing areas.

According to BRIN, residue management methods should be tailored to the characteristics and risk level of each type of waste rather than applying a single uniform approach. Local authorities are advised to first conduct an inventory of residue locations, followed by radiological and economic characterization, before determining appropriate management steps.

BRIN also suggested that the East Belitung government carry out regular environmental and radiological monitoring at residue sites and surrounding areas, in coordination with relevant stakeholders. Radiation safety aspects, it said, need to be integrated into mining, reclamation, and residue utilization policies, alongside increased public education and risk communication so communities can safely carry out activities and manage residue.

BRIN's research found that several types of tin ore processing residue in East Belitung, including mine tailings, tin slag remnants, and tin slag, contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as Radium 226 (Ra 226), Thorium 232 (Th 232), and Uranium 238 (U 238). This material is known as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), whose activity concentration can increase due to tin ore processing, potentially becoming Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM).

BRIN explained that TENORM has the potential to expose humans and the environment to radiation, both through external exposure such as gamma radiation and internal exposure from inhaling dust and radon, as well as ingestion of radionuclides through contaminated food and water. The exposure risk is considered real, as several tin residues in East Belitung contain Ra 226 and Th 232, meaning management must be preventive and risk based given the long term nature of the impact.

The recommendation is the result of BRIN research conducted in Gantung and Simpang Renggiang Districts, East Belitung Regency, from June to November 2025. Gantung District was chosen because it is a community mining area (WPR) with intensive tin mining and processing activity, while Simpang Renggiang was selected for its tin processing facility (smelter), which produces various types of residue.

BRIN hopes the research results will serve as a data foundation and scientific basis for the East Belitung government in developing safe, sustainable, and risk based governance of tin residue. With this approach, the TENORM issue is expected to shift from being viewed merely as an environmental risk concern into an opportunity for safe residue governance that also generates economic added value for the region.