Indonesia has the potential for a new world-class gold and copper mine located in Onto, Hu'u District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara . This potential was revealed based on the results of research conducted by a mining company, PT Sumbawa Timur Mining . In a press conference that was held virtually on Thursday (21/4/2022), PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) President Director Bede Evans explained that Onto's potential gold source in West Nusa Tenggara is 1.1 billion tons, consisting of copper , gold, Inferred mineral resources and others. The estimated potential for mineral resources has increased by 20 percent or 0.4 billion tons from the research results announced in December 2019.
Evans explained that the estimated mineral resource potential was the result of drilling 74 holes with a total depth of 74,130 meters. It is planned that drilling will resume in 2022 to support further studies to determine the size, area and characteristics of Onto's mineral resource potential. In addition, this follow-up drilling is also to provide more complete data for use in various engineering studies of the Hu'u Project. To date, in total, STM has completed 108 drill holes (total depth of 115,591 meters) within the KK return (at Onto and other prospects) since exploration began in 2010 When asked by Kompas.com about the potential revenue generated by STM as well as its contribution to the Indonesian government, Evans said that until now it has not been confirmed. "Currently we are conducting various engineering studies , it seems that we cannot project the revenue. Because it is still too far away. Production will only start in 2023-2025," said Evans.
Evans said that although he was happy with the potential of this mineral resource, his party still had homework to do, such as studying various technical, environmental, social and financial factors that were part of the feasibility study that was currently being carried out. "Primarily, we hope that the ongoing feasibility study phase will determine which mining operation is technically and economically feasible, and that STM can develop it further," said Evans.
