An overview of remediation technology for mercury-contaminated sediment in Sekotong Sub District, Lombok, Indonesia

The gold mining sector in Indonesia consists of large-scale gold mining, medium-scale gold mining, and small scale gold mining. Small scale miners generally use mercury amalgamation method to extract gold as it is considered as the most efficient method and requires only a small investment. The utilization of mercury might affect environmental quality and human health. This study is aimed to evaluate the possible remediation technology for mercury-contaminated sediment. A case study from Sekotong Sub District was carried out due to the operation of small scale mining in this area. The qualitative method was used by using a literature review approach. Various technologies of mercury remediation were explored and compared. The results indicated that there were 12 available technologies associated with mercury sediment handling. Those technologies include dredging, in-situ thermal desorption, capping, activated carbon, solidification, and nanotechnology. The appropriate technology is determined by some aspects, including mercury intensity, technology effectivity, and cost. In addition, the application of those technologies requires a social license to operate not only from the community but also from the government as a regulator.