PT Adaro Indonesia had won five awards from Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry as a company committed to implementing good and sustainable mining practices.Adaro received the awards at the Good Mining Practice (GMP) Award 2024 held to commemorate 78th Anniversary of Mining and Energy on September 28, 2024 in Jakarta.Head of PT Adaro Indonesia Technical Mining Deny Widihatmoko said that a GMP task force had been formed to coordinate GMP assessment, including to evaluate the results of the previous assessments both from mineral and coal mining (minerba) as well as health, work safety and environment (K3LH) assessment within the company."With full support from management, we are working to improve GMP performance and assessment,” Denny expounded on Monday.Adaro also has a program to evaluate companies and PJOs, by creating a monthly forum program, including monitoring and evaluation for Mining and Environmental Safety Management (KPLH) in work partners, KPLH quality level 1 and 2 and MESRA (finding service company solution).In the future, Adaro hopes that the Technical and Environmental Directorate of Minerba will be more active in providing guidance, so that mining operation will be more safety, secure and efficient.“We will be able to adapt to changes in criteria of GMP assessment which are getting stricter every year,” said Deny.The five awardsa won by Adaro were in the categories of standardization and service business aspects, coal conservation aspects, mining technical aspects, environmental protection and mining safety aspects.Director General of Mineral and Coal Mining Tri Winarno noted in a written statement that GMP Award is awarded to mining companies that demonstrate achievements in applying the principles of mineral and coal mining techniques.“This award is a parameter of success for the government in guiding the technical aspects of mining,” he said.He hopes that this activity will motivate all mining business players to continue to carry out operation in accordance with good principles. 

Indonesia is expected to continue expanding its nickel production in the coming years, especially through increasing its high-pressure acid-leaching (HPAL) capacity, but the lack of readily available sulphuric acid and proper management of the tailings waste could pose challenges to this plan.Production is expected to rise despite an anticipated surplus in the supply of nickel in the market.Sulphuric acid is used in the HPAL process to separate nickel and cobalt from nickel ore to produce mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), which is the feedstock for the downstream processing of nickel sulphate, cathode and battery.Indonesia is expected to produce 325,000-345,000t of MHP this year, up from around 269,000t of in 2023, according to market sources. But with several MHP projects planned to come online in the next few years, MHP output for the next three years is projected to treble to 800,000-900,000t, according to the country's deputy minister for the co-ordinating ministry for maritime and investment affairs Septian Hario Seto on 2 October at a metal event in London. As this would require a lot more nickel ore and sulphuric acid, there are concerns that the availability of limonite ore could deplete as fast as the saprolite ore supply, which is mainly used for nickel pig iron and matte production. There were also discussions that the Indonesian government will convene with nickel market participants to discuss about the supply situation of limonite ore.There are currently four HPAL facilities operating in Indonesia. This includes Huayou's Huayue and Huafei projects, GEM's QMB project and Lygend's HPAL project.Others were also concerned that the availability of sulphuric acid could be a limiting factor to Indonesia's rapid expansion of HPAL production, as sulphuric acid demand from Indonesian HPAL projects is expected to reach 7.12mn t in 2025, almost 40pc increase from this year's demand at 5.17mn t, according to Argus estimates.Indonesia has been importing sulphuric acid from mainly China and South Korea to meet the growing demand for its production units at Obi Island and Sulawesi. But a ramp-up in sulphur-burning operations has pushed several MHP producers like Halmahera Persada Lygend to switch to buying lower-cost sulphurinstead. For most sulphur burners, 1t of sulphur produces around 3t of sulphuric acid.The startup of Freeport McMoran's Manyar smelter in Java integrated industrial and port estate in East Java's Gresik, coupled with mining firm Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara's (AMNT) copper smelter in the West Sumbawa regency of Nusa Tenggara province, is also expected to alleviate some supply concerns, with the two expected to add at least 3mn t/yr of acid capacity by the end of 2025.Proper disposal of tailings waste could pose another challenge to Indonesia's planned HPAL expansion, particularly with increasing scrutiny on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards by Indonesia's mining industry.The HPAL process generates a large volume of tailings, with energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie estimating an output of 1.4-1.6t of waste from every 1t of nickel produced through HPAL.There are three common ways to dispose tailings waste – tailings dam, deep sea tailings and dry stacking. Dry stacking is more widely used because it is considered as the more sustainable option. But dry stacking also comes with its own environmental and biodiversity risks, as Indonesia's seasonal wet weather and seismic activity of the site could be a problem for waste storage.To ensure a smooth expansion in HPAL production, it is crucial for Indonesia to find ways to secure the necessary sulphuric acid supplies and to adopt appropriate methods for tailings waste disposal.

PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk, or Harita Nickel, a leading integrated nickel mining and processing company, has committed to undergoing an independent third-party assessment against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Standards for Responsible Mining. The Harita Nickel mine, located on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku, is the first in Indonesia to officially commit to being audited by IRMA.“With its voluntary submission to an independent audit against the world’s most stringent global mining standards, Harita Nickel is setting an unprecedented example of operational transparency in Indonesia’s mining sector,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Harita is providing stakeholders with crucial information that they can use to engage with the company on how to promote more responsible mining practices. This is particularly timely given the importance of nickel in supporting the energy transition and the growing demand from downstream buyers for responsibly mined nickel, particularly in the automotive and renewable energy sectors.”Harita Nickel’s commitment to undergo the rigorous IRMA audit demonstrates the company's dedication to responsible mining practices in Indonesia. Septian Hario Seto, Deputy of Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, praised the initiative, stating, “This step not only sets a benchmark for the industry but also supports the government’s vision for a more transparent, environmentally, and socially responsible mining sector. This alignment with global standards ensures long-term benefits for both communities and the environment.”“We want our buyers to have confidence that they are sourcing responsibly produced nickel,” said Roy Arman Arfandy, President Director of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk (Harita Nickel). “By undergoing the independent IRMA audit, we aim to align our operations with best practices and continuously improve in collaboration with affected stakeholders and rights holders. We are committed to long-term compliance with international standards for responsible mining.”The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard that describes best practices for protecting communities and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization governed equally by representatives from six affected stakeholder sectors - communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, buyers and mining companies - that controls the standard and assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance gives communities the same power as mining companies, and non-commercial interests the same power as commercial interests.Harita Nickel, which began operations in 2010, has been running a high-grade nickel ore (saprolite) smelter since 2017, a low-grade nickel ore (limonite) refinery since 2021, and nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate production facilities since 2023. These facilities are located across Harita Nickel's two active mining concessions. Harita Nickel produces key raw materials for electric vehicle batteries by processing and refining low-grade nickel ore using High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) technology to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), which is further processed into nickel sulfate (NiSO4) and cobalt sulfate (CoSO4).SCS Global Services, an IRMA-approved independent audit firm, will conduct the assessment, starting with a desktop review (stage 1), followed by an on-site field audit (stage 2). Stakeholders, including affected communities, public officials, labor representatives, or other interested parties, are invited to submit comments about how the mine manages its environmental impacts (such as air, water, waste, greenhouse gases, and ecosystems), supports its workforce, and interacts with surrounding communities. Interested parties can also request interviews with auditors during the site visit.

PT Petrosea Tbk, recently announced that the company would make a IDR 6 trillion or around USD 400 million investment as part of its business expansion strategies. The money will go into buying new mining equipment as the company develops its existing mining services portfolio.For the first phase, Petrosea --also known by its ticker symbol PTRO-- has secured mining equipment from PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR), PT Trakindo Utama, PT Indotruck Utama, PT Indo Traktor Utama, and PT Eka Dharma Jaya Sakti."We bought these mining equipment to support new mining service projects, as well as part of our anticipatory steps to enable a sustainable business growth,” Petrosea’s mining and mine services director Iman Darus Hikhman was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.The company has carried out what it calls the “first-cuts mining operation” in several new projects located in Central Kalimantan to officially start the operational activities. The first-cut for PT Multi Tambangjaya Utama in South Barito regency took place on Sep. 2. The first-cut for PT Pasir Bara Prima in Kapuas regency took place on Sep. 8, 2024, according to PTRO.PTRO offers a diverse range of services for the coal and mineral mining sector and is known for its pit-to-port services. This includes open pit contract mining services, civil & infrastructure construction, and mining project management services. Other services include technical and feasibility study consulting services, mine planning and optimization services, as well as Minerva Digital Platform solutions that use state-of-the-art technology to improve efficiency and productivity.Petrosea also has the ability to monitor and control operational activities in various projects by utilizing real-time data through the remote operations center located at the company's head office.Petrosea said that all of its operational and financial targets were supported by robust occupational, safety, health, and environment (K3L) regulations. The company has adopted zero accident targets,  operational excellence, and continuous improvement, as well as risk management. PTRO also embraces good corporate governance (GCG) principles as part of its strategy to be a sustainable company. image widgetmage widget

State-owned gold miner Aneka Tambang (Antam), through its subsidiary Gag Nikel (PTGN), has acquired a 30 percent stake in Newton International Investment Pte. Ltd. (NII), a subsidiary of China’s Eternal Tsingshan Group Limited (ETGL), for USD 102.5 million (IDR 1.60 trillion). NII holds shares in Jiu Long Metal Industry (JLMI), a nickel smelting company based in Central Halmahera, North Maluku.Tsingshan Group is a global stainless steel giant with operations worldwide, including Indonesia, where it operates several smelting facilities. JLMI is a part of the Tsingshan Group and owns nickel smelting facilities in Central Halmahera.The transaction was completed on Oct. 3, following the conditional sale and purchase agreement (CSPA) signed between PTGN and NII on May 3. With this acquisition, PTGN now owns 30 percent of JLMI, while NII retains the remaining 70 percent.The acquisition aligns with the government’s downstream policy aimed at increasing the financial performance of local companies and generating added value for shareholders."The implementation is also expected to support the Indonesian government’s efforts in developing the national electric vehicle ecosystem," Antam's management said in an official statement on Monday.On May 3, PTGN also signed an ore supply agreement with another Tsingshan Group subsidiary, Universal Metal Trading (UMT). Under this agreement, PTGN will supply nickel to UMT, with UMT making an upfront payment for a portion of the nickel provided. PTGN plans to use this payment to fund its purchase of NII’s shares in JLMI.Following PTGN’s acquisition of 30 percent of JLMI on Oct. 3, PTGN extended a shareholder loan of USD 18 million to JLMI. NII had previously provided JLMI with a shareholder loan of USD 60 million prior to PTGN’s share purchase.Both loans are proportional to each entity’s stake in JLMI, with the funds expected to boost JLMI’s operational capacity and drive revenue, enabling the company to distribute dividends to PTGN, and subsequently to Antam."The shareholder loan from PTGN is expected to generate indirect income for Antam through interest payments from JLMI to PTGN," Antam's management stated.JLMI plans to use the shareholder loan to enhance its operations, boosting revenue to eventually pay dividends to PTGN, which will in turn flow to Antam.

The coal mining company, PT Harum Energy Tbk (HRUM), has officially acquired a 51% stake in Nickel International Capital Pte Ltd (NICAP), a Singapore-based company, for USD 42.06 million or approximately IDR 640.2 billion (based on the current exchange rate).In a disclosure of information quoted on Wednesday (October 2, 2024), the acquisition was made by purchasing new shares of NICAP on September 26, 2024."The company has taken over a 51% stake in the capital of NICAP," said HRUM President Director Roy A. Gunara.NICAP holds a 49% share in PT Position, an Indonesian nickel mining company located in East Halmahera, North Maluku, which is also a business entity of HRUM. The company has a concession area of 4,017 hectares.Roy assured that the corporate action will not affect the company’s operations, legal standing, financial condition, or business continuity.

CIMIC Group company Leighton Asia has been awarded a contract by PT Vale Indonesia, to develop the mine infrastructure for its Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.The contract will generate revenue of approximately AUD 154 million for Leighton Asia.CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said: “We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with PT Vale Indonesia and contribute to the success of this landmark project. It underscores our commitment to supporting the growth of Indonesia’s nickel industry, a metal critical to enabling the global energy transition.”Leighton Asia Managing Director Brad Davey said: “With a continuous relationship with PT Vale Indonesia for over 25 years, we are proud to apply our core expertise and collaborate on this significant mine infrastructure project. We look forward to contributing to Indonesia’s economic development.”Leighton Asia will undertake the mine infrastructure works for the Integrated Mines of Pomalaa (IMP) project, which is part of the broader IGP Pomalaa initiative.The scope of work includes the development of the mine infrastructure, with earthworks, civil and building works, and associated infrastructure to enable the operation of the mine to supply ore to the processing plant.Construction work will commence in the second half of 2024 with a construction period of 26 months.

PT Berau Coal has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning eight awards at the Good Mining Practice (GMP) Awards 2024, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The company, part of the Sinar Mas business pillar in mining and energy, was named the Best Winner for the Coal Commodity Mining Company Group.The awards ceremony was held to commemorate the 78th anniversary of Mining and Energy on September 28, 2024, at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 24, 2024.PT Berau Coal was recognized as the Best Winner of the GMP Awards 2024 in the Coal Commodity Mining Company Group, securing one Main Certificate in the category of Mining Services and Standardization Management, four Aditama Certificates for Mining Technical Management, Mining Safety Management, Environmental Management, and Coal Conservation Management, and two Best Trophies for Mining Technical Management and Mining Safety Management. In total, the company won eight prestigious awards at the event.Arief Wiedhartono, Director of Operations and HSE at PT Berau Coal, expressed that these awards reflect the company’s responsibility to continue carrying out the best mining operations. He emphasized that this recognition serves as a motivation to implement responsible and sustainable mining practices while complying with regulations.“These awards motivate and encourage us to keep applying the best mining practices that are responsible, follow regulations, and are sustainable. The awards are a testament to the government’s appreciation,” Arief stated in a written statement on Thursday, September 26, 2024."Our task and focus are to translate government regulations into work guidelines in the field, continuously improving through hard work and collaboration among employees, partners, the government, and the community. We express our gratitude for the support of all employees, partners, the government, and the community in supporting safe, environmentally friendly, and excellent operations," he added.In his remarks, Tri Winarno, Director-General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that the GMP Awards aim to appreciate mining companies holding contracts of work (KK), Coal Mining Exploitation Work Agreements (PKP2B), Mining Business Permits (IUP), Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK), as well as mining service companies holding IUJP.“This event is expected to motivate all mining business operators to continue conducting operations in accordance with the principles of Good Mining Practices, and serve as a benchmark for the government in supervising and overseeing technical and environmental aspects of mineral and coal mining activities,” Tri Winarno said.He encouraged the winners and all companies to continue setting examples for the public. “Mining operations can be managed by prioritizing people’s safety and environmental protection, while achieving profit and contributing positively to the state’s revenue, regional development, and sustainable growth,” he emphasized.At the same event, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia praised the mining companies for their contributions to the country’s revenue. He stressed the importance of adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the mineral and coal mining subsector to ensure business sustainability and enhance competitiveness.Bahlil also highlighted the need for comprehensive post-mining programs that address economic, social, and environmental aspects, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and well-being after mining activities cease.The assessment for the GMP Awards covered various aspects, including Mineral and Coal Mining Technical Management, Mining Safety Management, Environmental Management, Mineral and Coal Conservation, and Mining Services Management.

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has successfully received five Good Mining Practice (GMP) Awards from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Jakarta.Four awards were earned by PTBA’s Tanjung Enim Mining Unit, including the Main Achievement Award for Mineral and Coal Mining Technical Management, the Main Achievement Award for Mineral and Coal Conservation Management, the Main Achievement Award for Mineral and Coal Mining Standardization and Services Management, and the First Achievement Award for Environmental Management of Mineral and Coal Mining.Additionally, PTBA’s Tarahan Port Unit received the First Achievement Award for Environmental Management of Mineral and Coal Mining.The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, emphasized the importance of balancing profit with responsibility towards the environment and local communities. He also highlighted the necessity of post-mining management that prioritizes the well-being of communities."Post-mining management is crucial, and the people must also be taken care of. Profits are important, but the welfare of the people should not be neglected. Mining communities should not struggle," said Bahlil in his remarks during the opening of the GMP Award 2024.Suhedi, PTBA’s Director of Operations & Production, expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Ministry of ESDM. He reaffirmed PTBA's commitment to consistently implementing good mining practices.“The application of good mining practices ensures that Bukit Asam’s mining operations are effective, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. This recognition motivates us to continually improve our Good Mining Practice implementation. By doing so, Bukit Asam can continue to provide sustainable energy that enhances the well-being of communities,” said Suhedi.

One of Merdeka Group's subsidiaries, PT Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI), the operator of the gold and silver mine in Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, has once again achieved outstanding recognition. PT BSI won five prestigious awards from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia and CNN Indonesia on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.PT BSI received four awards from the Ministry of ESDM during the Good Mining Practice (GMP) Awards ceremony held at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta. The four awards included the “Utama” category for technical management of mineral and coal mining, the “Pratama” category for mining safety management, and the “Aditama” and “Best” awards for environmental management of mineral and coal mining.President Director of PT BSI, Adi Adriansyah Sjoekri, stated that these awards once again highlight PT BSI’s seriousness in applying good mining practices (GMP) in its operations in Banyuwangi.“As part of PT Merdeka Copper Gold, Tbk (IDX:MDKA), PT BSI consistently strives to manage the mine with high compliance standards to provide optimal contributions to stakeholders,” said Adi. He added that this achievement would motivate PT BSI to continuously enhance responsible and sustainable mining management.Adi also emphasized that PT BSI has implemented several key environmental programs to support proper environmental management at its operational sites. These include environmental quality monitoring (covering water, soil, and air), land rehabilitation, and regulatory compliance. The results of these activities are consistently reported to the relevant authorities.Simultaneously, PT BSI received an award in the category 'Leading Local Community Empowerment Initiatives Recognition for Outstanding Program in Empowering Local Communities' presented by CNN Indonesia at the CNN Indonesia Jatim Awards, held at the Westin Hotel Surabaya.This award was presented by Director of CT Corpora, Warnedy, to PT BSI’s General Manager of Operations and Head of Mining Technical Operations (KTT), Roelly Fransza.Roelly expressed pride in PT BSI’s achievements at the event. “This award encourages us to continue benefiting the surrounding communities and local groups, especially in the areas surrounding the mine,” he said during the award ceremony.Roelly further explained that all the social programs run by PT BSI aim to empower the local community. He mentioned several programs, including scholarships, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), public infrastructure development, health services, and socio-cultural programs. All of these are part of the Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) initiatives.To implement these programs, Roelly noted that PT Merdeka Copper Gold, Tbk has invested over IDR 156 billion between 2018 and 2023. These funds were used to realize PPM programs in the Pesanggaran District and surrounding areas.One example of the PPM projects includes the construction of roads in Sumbermulyo and Rowojambe up to Pancer, as well as other village roads in the Pesanggaran District. Roelly explained that these public infrastructure developments are designed to improve community access and indirectly boost socio-economic mobility.“We aim to be good neighbors to the communities around our operational areas. Through PT BSI’s PPM program, we want to help local residents achieve independence, especially as the life of our mine comes to an end. We extend our gratitude to the community and the government for their support, which has helped us achieve this recognition,” Roelly stated.As a company with an ESG rating of A from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) since 2023, PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk remains committed to strengthening its reputation as a company with a high ESG performance. The company’s commitment to environmental performance, positively impacting ecosystems and communities, is a fundamental principle upheld by Merdeka Group.