1 Chapter III Research Methodology III.1 Data Collection Data collection is the process of collecting and ascertaining information about variables of interest, systematically, which allows researchers to answer questions from research questions, analyse and evaluate the results according to the topic of the research. The process of collecting data and information for this research is carried out based on the type of data needed, namely primary data and secondary data. The data sources in this research are as follows: 1. Primary Data Primary data was obtained based on interviews with people and or functions related to and experienced with the implementation of this pond sediment normalisation method. The interview method is semi-structured interviews, which are qualitative research interviews, involving direct and in-depth interaction between researchers and participants starting with a list of predetermined themes and possibly with key questions. The interview starts with the issues covered in the interview guide. The sequence of questions different for each participant depending on the interview process and individual responses. However, the interview guide ensures that the researcher can collect the same type of data from the participants. Next, it is necessary to identify and select potential respondents or relevant participants. The data that has been obtained from the results of the interview is then filtered and checked for quality, if there are deficiencies or lack of clarity, a follow-up interview is carried out or an additional list of questions is made. Table III.1 describes the number of people and the experiences of each person interviewed as follows: Table III.1 List of Interviewed Parties (Source: Internal Report Data of PT. BIB) No Interviewed Party Job Description 1 Head of Mine The Head of Mine (KTT) is the highest leader at the company site and is responsible for all mining operational activities including decision-making in environmental management and mining safety. 2 2 Health Safety Environment Division Head Create a company strategy to achieve the company's Production target that is aligned with the beyond compliance policy in environmental management. 3 Mine Operation & Production Division Head Responsible for pit operations related to coal production and disposal management. 4 Environment & Reclamation Department Head Create an environmental management programme by the strategy set by the company 5 Environment Project Section Head Responsible for environmental management project support, especially maintenance, and normalisation of sediment ponds and ensuring that every stage of mining operations complies with environmental regulations and standards. 6 Project Environment Engineer Responsible for data analysis & design of sediment pond normalisation project. 7 Environment Supervisor Responsible for field supervision and implementation of sediment pond normalisation project. The list of interview questions can be seen in Table III.2 Table III.2 List of Interview Questions (Source: Internal Report Data of PT. BIB) No Question List Respondent A Business Issue 1 What do you think about environmental management in companies today. Head of Mine, Health Safety & Environment Division Head, Mine Operation & Production Division Head, Environment & Reclamation Department Head, Environment Project Section Head, Project Environment Engineer, Environment Supervisor 2 What do you think about the current management of the sediment pond in the company, especially regarding the current management of sludge in the sediment pond.