Research & development
Applied research programmes for challenges across mines, water, soil and communities.
Eco Sustainable Mining Initiative
Restoring earth.
Creating value.
We provide AI powered tools and support for responsible
mining, the restoration of land and water, and the development of local communities.
Our foundation is the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the Indonesian principle of Gotong Royong.
Together for
one goal
Our foundation
All 17 SDGs form our foundation
The UN Sustainable Development Goals guide ESMI’s approach. We connect clean water, decent work, innovation, the environment, transparency and partnerships within one framework.
Who we are
We are ESMI
The Eco Sustainable Mining Initiative was launched in 2025 by PT Eko Vitaris International and SBDI Foundation, working with local governments, universities, institutional partners and NGOs across Indonesia.
Guided especially by SDGs 8, 9, 12, 16 and 17, ESMI brings scientific expertise, equipment and AI-powered software together in one transparent platform. We advance eco-sustainable mining, environmental cleanup and restoration, and lasting opportunities for local communities. ESMI’s next phase is international expansion.
Banga, North Sulawesi. Field context, not a restoration result.
Why ESMI exists
Unsustainable and illegal mining leaves a footprint. We are here to help restore it.
Pollution from mercury and cyanide, damaged rivers, and pressure on communities around illegal mining sites are why ESMI began. In Indonesia, we connect environmental restoration with more responsible ways to mine, work, and manage resources.
What we do
Connected expertise. Practical solutions.
From the first measurement to operations and restoration. Five solution areas work together within the ESMI platform.
How eco-sustainable mining works
Work with nature. Disturb less.
ESMI starts at the surface. POCO activates micro-organisms already present in the soil. These microbes may help clean up toxins and bring mineral particles closer to the surface for recovery. For deeper deposits, ESMI uses small, carefully controlled tunnels instead of open-pit mining. Solar and hydraulic power, recycled water and digital monitoring help reduce the impact. We test each step on a small scale first and only expand when field results support it.
Knowledge & innovation
Together with UNISMA and a network of 52 universities across Indonesia.
ESMI works closely with Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) to connect academic expertise with real-world field challenges. We offer students distinctive opportunities to contribute to field projects, research, software validation and venture development. This collaboration supports UNISMA’s ambition to be recognised as the world’s most entrepreneurial university, while opening a wider network for multidisciplinary research and talent development.
Fields of collaboration
Microbiology & POCO
Study of local micro-organisms, stimulation protocols and controlled testing.
AI & software validation
Testing models, field applications, data quality and usability for every stakeholder.
Mining operations management
Developing methods for planning, safety, productivity and traceability.
Impact measurement
Independent baselines, study design and verification of environmental and social outcomes.
Talent & entrepreneurship
Distinctive student experience through internships, field research, technology testing, professional training and local venture development.
Who we work with
Governments. Mining companies. Communities.
We shape each collaboration around the responsibilities and needs of governments, mining companies and communities.
SBDI Foundation, an ESMI founding partner, is a member of the UN Global Compact.
Governments
We help governments see mining activity across their region. The ESMI Government App combines site maps, cleanup priorities and authorised production data from connected equipment. Traceable data strengthens oversight, environmental restoration and transparent reporting under SDG 16.
Institutional mining companies
We help mining companies reduce impact and run better operations. ESMI brings scientific expertise, equipment, sensors and AI software together in one system. Every project starts with a clear baseline and measurable targets.
Artisanal miners
We work through local governments and cooperatives. Together, we help artisanal miners move towards safer, formal and eco-sustainable mining. Training, equipment, restoration and ESMI’s digital tools help them meet and maintain Indonesia’s Minerba requirements.
