Integrating Environmental Rehabilitation and Geoconservation in Manganese Geoheritage

Abstract

Manganese mining can leave environmental degradation while also exposing geological features with scientific, educational, aesthetic, and tourism value. This study examines the integration of environmental rehabilitation and geoconservation at the Kliripan-Karangsari manganese geoheritage complex in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. The study used an integrated descriptive design based on systematic geological mapping of 78 observation points, field environmental assessment, petrographic, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses, and community assessment through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The results identify four geomorphological units, three principal lithological units, two dominant structural orientations, and five manganese mineralisation styles. The principal manganese mineral identified is pyrolusite, while carbonate-hosted samples contain calcite and pyrolusite. Major environmental pressures include outcrop degradation, erosion, potential acid mine drainage (AMD), unlicensed excavation, specimen collection, vandalism, sedimentation, waterlogging, and restricted access to historical mine openings. The findings support geology-based zonation comprising core, buffer, and development zones, combined with selective rehabilitation, community participation, and five- to ten-year monitoring of water, soil, vegetation, slope stability, and geoheritage condition. The study provides a site-specific descriptive basis for integrating post-mining environmental management with geoconservation and community-based geotourism.