Austin Engineering Limited has completed the first shipment of fully built and assembled truck trays from its Indonesia facility in Batam, which have been delivered directly into Western Australia’s Pilbara mining region.The delivery comprised four truck trays that were shipped from Indonesia via Singapore into Port Hedland and then onto the customer site.Austin recently completed a major expansion and upgrade of its Indonesian facility, which has doubled its manufacturing capacity to address increased demand.The larger Indonesian facility is allowing Austin, it says, to mitigate the impact of ongoing supply constraints in Western Australia, particularly for skilled fabrication labour, which has been a limiting factor for production.Alleviating these supply constraints has enabled the company’s local Western Australian facility to maintain more even operational output in line with local labour availability while ensuring Austin’s customers continue to have access to products, it said.A return of freight costs to pre-pandemic levels has also enabled Austin to augment the shipping of sub-assemblies into Perth for final build (which has been standard practice for some time) with the delivery of full truck trays direct to the Pilbara.Austin said: “The ability to ship directly from Indonesia to Port Hedland has the added benefit of removing the need for road haulage from Perth to client mine sites in the Pilbara. A reduction in overall transport and logistic requirements has safety, environmental and cost benefits. Specifically, a reduction in road haulage is favourable from a road safety and emissions reduction perspective.”Further direct deliveries into the Pilbara are being planned with customers to augment Austin’s Australia-based supply, it said.Austin CEO and Managing Director, David Singleton, said: “We are extremely pleased to see our design and manufacturing strategy starting to work in sync in the Asia Pacific region. The expanded facilities in Perth and Indonesia are allowing more flexibility from a manufacturing and delivery point of view. We have previously shipped truck trays, buckets and other mining equipment directly into Queensland, but it is the first shipment we’ve completed direct to the major mining centre of the Pilbara, and we expect this supply route to become a regular feature of our integrated supply chain.“We remain committed to Australia as a manufacturing location, exemplified by our two factory units in Kewdale, Perth along with our two operating sites in Queensland. In addition, the majority of the steel we used in Australia and Indonesia is sourced from Australia.“Source: https://im-mining.com/2023/04/18/austin-engineering-delivers-indonesia-made-truck-trays-into-pilbara-region/

PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (MBMA), a giant nickel company under PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA), is officially listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) after holding an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at a price of IDR 795 per share from 12 to 14 April.Based on an official statement from MBMA, the company's shares experienced oversubscription of up to 19.9 times, which caused the company to issue an additional 549,999,900 new shares in addition to the 11 billion shares previously allocated."The large number of stock offerings that have come in indicates that investors are also very optimistic about the prospects for the nickel mining downstream business and the development of the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery raw material value chain developed by MBMA," said David Agus, Director of PT Trimegah Sekuritas Indonesia Tbk (TRIM), one of the managing underwriters for the MBMA IPO.Source: https://www.idnfinancials.com/news/46690/oversubscribed-times-mbma-scored-idr-debut

Volkswagen will build an electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem in Indonesia and will partner with miner Vale, Ford and China’s battery minerals producer Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, the Southeast Asian country’s investment minister said. Automakers are courting Indonesia for its raw materials used in producing EV batteries, which account for about 40% of a vehicle’s sticker price, aiming to cut costs and close the gap on EV market leader Tesla.Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Sunday that Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest automaker, will work with Vale, Ford, Huayou, French miner Eramet and several Indonesian firms like Merdeka Gold Copper, the parent company of Merdeka Battery, and energy firm Kalla Group. The partnerships would consist of joint ventures and supply raw materials, Bahlil said in a video statement from Germany, where an Indonesian delegation led by President Joko Widodo is attending industry fair Hannover Messe and meeting representatives of companies including German chemical giant BASF, Eramet and Volkswagen.“Indonesia is an important and interesting country in terms of raw materials and we are in a positive exchange with the government and suppliers,” Volkswagen said in a statement. Meanwhile, Bahlil said BASF had also expressed an interest in building a plant to produce battery materials, partnering with Eramet, in Indonesia’s north Maluku province, for a total investment of about $2.6 billion.BASF and Eramet are jointly assessing the development of a nickel and cobalt hydrometallurgical refining complex in Indonesia, as was announced in 2020, and details would be announced once the assessment has been concluded, BASF said in an emailed response. Bahlil said investment interest from European companies would allay concerns that Indonesia’s management of its mines “did not adhere to international standards.” Widodo, who is widely known as Jokowi, told Reuters last month that Indonesia will improve monitoring of environmental standards for nickel mining, amid concerns over the impact of production of the metal.Ford, Eramet, Kalla Group, Huayou, and Merdeka Gold Copper did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PT Vale Indonesia declined to comment. Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest nickel reserves, has been trying to develop downstream industries for the metal, ultimately aiming to produce batteries and EVs. Last month, Ford inked its first investment in Indonesia by joining Vale Indonesia and Huayou in a $4.5 billion nickel processing plant in Southeast Sulawesi. Volkswagen last month said it plans to invest 180 billion euros ($193 billion) over five years in areas including battery production and raw material sourcing.Source: https://www.mining.com/web/volkswagen-to-partner-on-indonesia-ev-battery-ecosystem-minister/

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) has raised its investment in PT Danusa Tambang Nusantara (Danusa), a mining holding company since 2015. Sara K. Loebis, Corporate Secretary of UNTR, said that the company has taken over 240 thousand new shares issued by Danusa. On top of this, PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA), one of UNTR’s subsidiaries, also acquires 160 thousand new shares of Danusa.This capital raise had been approved by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. After raising its stock portion, UNTR now has a claim over 1,168,959 shares of Danusa, approximately 60% of the total shares, whereas PAMA secures another 779,306 shares of Danusa or 40%. “The purpose behind this increased investment in Danusa is to channel extra working capital for operational needs of Danusa,” Loebis said. According to IDN Financials data, Danusa recorded total assets before elimination worth IDR 26.13 billion until December 31, 2022. Meanwhile, PAMA’s total assets clocked up to IDR 81.97 billion.Source: https://www.idnfinancials.com/news/46676/untr-increase-investment-mining-holding

PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (DOID) through its subsidiary, PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), BUMA Australia Pty Ltd (BUMA Australia) has won a new contract from BHP and Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to provide mining services at the Saraji mine, a mine metallurgical coal located in the Bowen Basin, central Queensland, Australia. The contract from BMA is valued at 60 million Australian dollars or equivalent to IDR 598.7 billion valid for a contract period of more than 18 months with an estimated average annual production of around 7 mbcm p.a. BUMA Australia will mine a new mining site (pit) which will be opened at the Saraji Mine by BMA.The Saraji mine was first developed in 1974 and is one of Australia's largest coal mines with recoverable coal reserves. The contract also includes an option for an additional 18 months of extension. Delta Dunia Makmur President Director Ronald Sutardja said, "We are very pleased to be able to expand our partnership with BMA and have been selected for this new contract to provide mining services at the Saraji mine."As a company, we put the interests of our customers first, which we believe forms the basis of our long-term relationships with our top partners. Our team's dedication and expertise in the mining industry, particularly in promoting and adhering to good mining practices, have strengthened our relationships with our current customers and opens doors for new opportunities," Ronald said in his official statement, written Sunday (16/4/2023).According to him, this contract is proof of Delta Dunia's strong commitment to expanding its portfolio and increasing metallurgical coal mining activities. "We are proud to strengthen our position as an industry leader and look forward to contributing to our clients' success and driving our business growth," he said.Source: https://www.liputan6.com/saham/read/5263014/delta-dunia-kantongi-kontrak-baru-rp-5987-miliar

Copper and gold mining company PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) has begun to integrate the use of a 26.8 megawatt capacity solar power plant (PLTS) to support the operational activities of the Batu Hijau mineral mining site in West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara."AMNT's operational activities are now being supplied by hybrid energy, with the integration of PLTS with a capacity of 26.8 MW. We are also grateful that AMNT's operational area is in West Sumbawa Regency, which has the highest irradiation level in Indonesia, thereby supporting electricity production from the PLTS," explained President Director of Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara Rachmat Makkasau in Jakarta, Friday.According to him, the operation of PLTS had started nine months ago, in June 2022 to be precise. This power plant is the largest ground-mounted solar PV facility in Indonesia until now, which is used for mining operations.Rachmat stated that the initiative was expected to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40,000 tons/year.He said the use of PLTS was part of AMNT's efforts to ensure a greener production process. This sustainable mining practice is important to start immediately, considering that the copper product produced by AMNT is a strategic commodity in the transition to sustainable energy."As upstream industry players, we continue to strive to reduce carbon emissions with PLTS," said Rachmat.This step is in line with the government's policy to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) effects. A number of main steps have been taken by the Indonesian government to reduce the effects of GHG, including through the development of new and renewable energy (EBT), application of energy efficiency, utilization of low-carbon fuels and post-mining reclamation."Hopefully efforts to reduce carbon emissions in our mines will also support Indonesia's efforts in transitioning to sustainable sustainable energy," said Rachmat who also serves as Chair of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA).In addition to mineral mining at Batu Hijau, AMNT is also processing ore into concentrate, as well as exploration activities for the Elang Block.Through its subsidiary PT Amman Mineral Industri (AMIN), a copper smelter and precious metals refinery (PMR) facility is also being built and is targeted to be operational in 2024.Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3487443/amman-mineral-integrasikan-plts-268-mw-di-tambang-batu-hijau

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan will leave for the United States on Tuesday, April 11, to discuss the discrimination in Indonesian nickel products. The U.S. has recently issued regulations on green subsidies for minerals used in the production of electric vehicles. Indonesia is allegedly being excluded from the huge subsidy package.“So this Tuesday, the Coordinating Minister (Luhut) will be there, and we will negotiate this matter,” said Deputy for Mining and Investment Coordination Septian Hario Seto on Monday, April 10, 2023.The U.S. government planned to publish tax credit guidance for battery and electric vehicle manufacturers under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the next few weeks. This policy includes US$370bn in subsidies for clean energy technology.However, it is feared that batteries containing Indonesian-sourced components will not qualify for the full IRA tax credit as Indonesia does not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S., to date.Therefore, the Indonesian government will hold discussions about these obstacles. Moreover, the country is exploring cooperation with a number of multinational companies such as Tesla and Ford to build a nickel supply chain. He assessed that this condition would be detrimental to both parties if it was not resolved immediately."Now we are proposing a limited FTA with them,” Septian said.Previously, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairperson Arsjad Rasjid urged the U.S. to act fairly in granting green subsidies for minerals used in EV production. “I am concerned for the ostracism from U.S. subsidy packages of Indonesia’s critical minerals used for the green technology,” Arsjad said in a statement on March 4. Arsjad voiced optimism that Indonesia could play a crucial role in meeting the U.S. needs for EVs and batteries. Indonesia has one-third of the world’s reserves of nickel, a vital material for EV battery production.Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1713452/indonesian-investment-minister-to-fly-to-us-over-alleged-nickel-discrimination

Energy transition is now a demand for many companies. Moreover, Indonesia is targeting to achieve net zero emission (NZE) in 2060. This is also a major concern for PT Trimegah Bangun Persada (Harita Nickel Group). One of the efforts that will be made in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, is that the company plans to build a Solar Power Plant or PLTS with a capacity of 300 Mega Watt peak (MWp). "We will build a 300MWP PLTS which is expected to be completed in 2025," said Director of Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP), Tonny H. Gultom, in the Harita Nickel mining area on Obi Island, North Maluku.The construction of the PLTS will be carried out on Obi Island, North Maluku, which is the location for an integrated nickel mining and processing factory owned by the Harita Group. Tony said that currently the company is relying on the electricity supply from the PLTU which was built with a capacity of 809 MW. According to him, currently the company is starting an energy transition by building street lights using solar power, electric motorized vehicles in factories, and solar panels in remote areas such as BTS.Tony confirmed that the Company will explore additional ways to increase the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources to facilitate long-term energy transition plans. The Harita Group's nickel mining and factory located on Obi Island is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN). The civil servant executors are PT Trimegah Bangun Persada together with affiliated companies that have been operating, namely PT Gane Permai Sentosa, PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel and PT Megah Surya Pertiwi, including partner company PT Halmahera Persada Lygend. As for achieving the net zero emission target in 2060, the government has increased the carbon emission reduction target, from 29 percent or the equivalent of 835 million tons of CO2 to 32 percent or the equivalent of 912 million tons of CO2 in 2030.Source: https://kumparan.com/kumparanbisnis/harita-bakal-bangun-plts-300-mwp-di-kawasan-tambang-pulau-obi-rampung-di-2025-20BeplXeka4/full

(MT Newswires) -- Cokal (ASX:CKA) completed its coal hauling trial at the Bumi Barito Mineral project in Indonesia, the miner said on Tuesday.The coal was transported by truck from the mine’s pit 3 area to the Batu Tuhup Jetty port via a recently opened road infrastructure. Further trucks will be used to haul trucks by the end of April. Company shares rose 6% on market close. Price (AUD): $0.17, Change: $+0.01, Percent Change: +6.45%Source: https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/COKAL-LIMITED-10468524/news/Cokal-Completes-Coal-Hauling-Trial-at-Bumi-Barito-Mineral-Project-43465467/

Lined elongated pools can be seen at several points in the integrated nickel mining area belonging to PT Trimegah Bangun Persada or the Harita Nickel Group on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku. When he visited there on Saturday last week, it was seen that at several points the water in the pond was brown. These ponds are sediment ponds or settling ponds to accommodate the liquid waste generated from activities.Provision of these ponds is an obligation that must be carried out by mining companies, so that liquid waste can be precipitated and treated first in settling ponds, before being released into water bodies. This sediment pond is also used to reduce the level of turbidity or total suspended solids in order to meet the quality standards, which are regulated in PermenLH 09/2006 concerning Water Quality Standards in Nickel Ore Mining."Mining will certainly have an impact on the environment. But we ensure that management of mine water runoff and post-mine rehabilitation is carried out according to standards and regulations," said Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP) Director, Tonny H. Gultom, at the Harita Nickel mine area on Obi Island, North Maluku. Tonny said TBP has a monitoring team whose job is to monitor the sediment ponds every day, to determine the parameters of pH and TSS (Total Suspended Solid).The Monitoring Team also manages the deposition process in sediment ponds by adding ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) to reduce hexavalent chromium, so that runoff water coming out of the mine area is currently in accordance with regulated quality standards. "Please check with a certified independent laboratory, I can make sure that mine runoff water meets the quality standards required by the government when it is released into the environment," he said.Tony then asked the monitoring officer to take a water sample to measure. From the checking tool, the results show that the mine runoff water is below the threshold set by the government, namely no more than 2,000 Mg/L and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) must be less than 200 Mg/L. Apart from that, Tony also ensured that the springs used by the Kawasi residents around the mine site were not polluted. He also asked officers to check and the results were suitable for public use. In fact, Tony drank the water directly. "I make sure this is feasible. Please test it in the lab," he said. Tony said, as TBP's commitment to ensure the company's operational activities do not interfere with the preservation of water resources in the surrounding environment, TBP built a Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) to treat domestic wastewater originating from gray water and bathrooms (black). water) before being discharged into receiving water bodies.Tailings ManagementTailings are the residual waste produced from the processing and refining of nickel ore using hydrometallurgical technology. Currently, the company uses tailings to cover ex-mining holes based on a permit from the government. The tailings management stage is neutralization which is processed in the neutralization tank, by adjusting the PH value. The tailings proceed to the filter-press process. After that, the tailings will be stacked in the permitted area. Backfilling of ex-mining pits is done to prevent environmental damage. The embankment of ex-mine excavations is equipped with a sub-drain system, finger drain and vertical drain to keep water droplets from precipitation into the Dry Tail Facility. The use of dry tailings storage methods is considered best practice, as it avoids the risks posed by wet tailings storage and the potential environmental and social damage when these facilities fail. "The tailings that we use to cover the former mine are dry. Not in liquid form which can have a negative impact on the environment," he said. Meanwhile, for nickel slag waste, the company also sends slag, which is a by-product of nickel ore smelting, to PT Hijau Lestari Perkasa, an affiliate of the company's controlling shareholder, to produce substitute raw materials for ready-mix concrete and tile construction, such as paving blocks. brick and other precast concrete.Restore EnvironmentThe company's reclamation activities also include revegetation and reclamation of local trees in ex-mining areas to restore the environmental ecosystem. Tony said that not only in the former mining area, the company also carried out rehabilitation in the Watershed Area on Obi Island. Based on the company's report, for December 31 2020, 2021 and September 2022, the company had planted 5,083, 1,444 and 1,239 pioneer species and respectively 7,155, 2,136 and 1,769 local species. In company reports, for 9 months last year, the total funds disbursed for environmental costs from rehabilitation amounted to USD 3 billion. "This is the industry of the future, the aspect of taking care of the ling.Source: https://kumparan.com/kumparanbisnis/menyusuri-pengelolaan-lingkungan-di-lokasi-tambang-harita-nickel-20BcUKuiUtg/full