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.
