Mapping The Potential of E-Waste Mining in Indonesia (PILOT)

Electronic waste (e-waste) is used as a term used to cover goods of all types of electrical and electronic equipment and parts that have been discarded as waste without the intention to be reused. This electronic waste such as televisions, telephones and other electronic goods still contain useful metals such as gold, silver and copper. Recent studies have shown that mining these metals from electronic waste is far more profitable compared to mining by conventional methods. From this we can see the potential for benefits both from the economic and social aspects of this e-waste mining activity.

Despite the promising potential of electronic waste mining above, there are a number of things that must be confirmed. Currently there are no detailed data related to the amount of e-waste in Indonesia, including a description of the types and potential components that can be mined from each type of e-waste product. It is necessary to choose the right technology and adapt it to the types of e-waste products available, as well as to see the availability of local industry related to its processing. For this development of e-waste mining can be sustainable, it is also necessary to have policies from the government that protect and govern this activity, including the need for an appropriate research and development road map. For these reasons, there are several works should be done including:

• Assess potential sources of local e-waste material (in this case Indonesia)
• Determination of processing technology and by-product processing from the recycle process
• Assessing the availability of the industry related to processing e-waste mining
• Determine the policies needed for the sustainability of the recycle mining industry
• Making a road map for research and development of e-waste mining and economic studies