PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) is now focusing on several downstream projects following the first bauxite injection at the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) in Mempawah.

Corporate Secretary Syarif Faisal Alkadrie stated that the first bauxite injection on September 24, 2024, has further strengthened ANTAM's position in the national aluminum supply chain.

He also mentioned that ANTAM is currently overseeing other downstream projects for nickel commodities and the development of the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem.

"Regarding the FeNi Haltim project, ANTAM is currently exploring alternatives to continue the commissioning process of the Feronickel Haltim Plant in North Maluku to ensure production stability before commercial operations," Faisal told Kontan on Thursday, October 10.

Faisal explained that once fully operational, the plant will have a production capacity of 13,500 TNi.

As for the development of the EV battery ecosystem in Indonesia, ANTAM and its strategic partners are committed to accelerating the achievement of milestones in line with the company's 2024 targets.

Kontan noted that one of ANTAM's ongoing strategic projects is the nickel downstream project in Buli, East Halmahera.

This project involves an international consortium of CBL (CATL, Brunp, Lygend) and includes the construction of various facilities, such as nickel ore mines, a Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace (RKEF) plant, a High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) plant, as well as material and battery recycling plants.

Significant progress has been made in this project. As of June 2024, the RKEF project is in the pre-EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and Pre-Project Financing stages.

Meanwhile, the HPAL project is in the process of forming a joint venture.

The RKEF plant is expected to start operations in 2027, while the HPAL plant is targeted to begin operations a year later, in 2028.