Groundwater Monitoring Well Development for Mining Site

Delivering Reliable Groundwater Data for Sustainable Mining Water Management

Client: PT Amman Mineral
Sector: Mining Industry
Location & Timeline: Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia – 2022 to 2023

Executive Summary

PT Amman Mineral engaged SUPRA to design, construct, and commission a dedicated groundwater monitoring network at its mining operations in Sumbawa, Indonesia. The project, executed between 2022 and 2023, aimed to enable accurate, continuous tracking of groundwater levels to support operational decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen the client’s commitment to sustainable water resource management. Through its integrated Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (EPCM) approach, SUPRA delivered a reliable, low-maintenance system tailored for the site’s challenging geological conditions and remote location.

Project Context

Water is a strategic resource for mining operations, underpinning ore processing, dust control, environmental management, and community relations. PT Amman Mineral recognized the need for a robust monitoring framework to safeguard groundwater sustainability, meet Indonesian mining water regulations, and align with ESG commitments. The system had to provide real-time, accurate groundwater level data across multiple locations, withstand harsh operating environments, and integrate seamlessly into the mine’s central water management system.

The site’s location on Sumbawa Island added complexity to the project. All materials and equipment, including corrosion-resistant PVC casings and precision-engineered well screens had to be shipped via sea and transported overland to remote, uneven terrain. Hydrogeological variability across the mining concession required customized well depths, screen intervals, and casing designs for each installation. Close coordination with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) was essential to secure permits, verify hydrogeological assessments, and comply with regulatory standards.

Project Challenges

 • Remote island logistics requiring careful scheduling of sea freight and land transport for heavy and sensitive materials.
 • Variable hydrogeological profiles necessitating site-specific engineering for each well to ensure accuracy and long-term durability.
 • Strict permitting process involving multi-agency coordination, technical documentation, and regulatory reviews.
 • The need to engage local communities to secure access, maintain transparency, and align with the client’s sustainability and social responsibility objectives.

SUPRA’s Approach

SUPRA implemented a precision-driven EPCM delivery strategy, managing every phase from initial hydrogeological analysis to final commissioning. Comprehensive site surveys identified optimal well placement and depths. Advanced drilling rigs and direct circulation methods were selected to minimize environmental disturbance while achieving precise borehole alignment.

Each monitoring well was constructed using high-grade PVC casings and precision slotted well screens designed to prevent sediment intrusion, ensuring long-term structural integrity. Water level measurement devices were installed and integrated into PT Amman Mineral’s central water management system, enabling continuous monitoring and seasonal trend analysis. All construction and installation activities were conducted under strict HSE supervision, achieving a zero-incident safety record.

Outcome and Impact

The project successfully delivered a fully operational groundwater monitoring network capable of providing consistent, high-quality data on aquifer conditions. This has allowed PT Amman Mineral to:
 • Optimize water resource utilization and reduce the risk of over-extraction.
 • Maintain full compliance with Indonesian mining water regulations.
 • Integrate data-driven insights into production planning and environmental management.

The integration of monitoring data into the client’s planning processes has improved forecasting accuracy for water availability, particularly during seasonal fluctuations.

Strategic Significance for the Client

For PT Amman Mineral, the new monitoring network is a strategic asset that supports long-term operational stability, enhances stakeholder trust, and reinforces the company’s position as a responsible mining operator in Southeast Asia. Reliable groundwater data strengthens investor confidence, facilitates transparent reporting to regulators, and aligns with both corporate sustainability goals and international environmental standards.

For SUPRA, the project highlights its ability to deliver technically complex water infrastructure in remote and challenging environments. It further strengthens SUPRA’s track record in the mining sector and positions the company to secure similar contracts across other resource-based industries where precision water monitoring is mission-critical.

Key Facts

 • Multiple groundwater monitoring wells constructed to site-specific geological requirements.
 • Use of corrosion-resistant PVC casings and precision slotted well screens.
 • Integrated with PT Amman Mineral’s central water management system for real-time data analysis.
 • Full EPCM delivery, from hydrogeological surveys to commissioning.
 • Zero-incident safety record under strict HSE protocols.