Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif has announced the auction winners of nine Mining Business License Area (WIUP) blocks for metal minerals and coal in early February.

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) or Antam will manage two nickel mining blocks out of nine mining blocks. Marimoi I Block in Halmahera, East North Maluku and Lililef Sawai Block in Central Halmaera, North Maluku.

Antam explained that the two exploration blocks were acquired following Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 7/2020 and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources' letter regarding the appointment of WIUP auction winners.

"The company is currently carrying out administrative processes to later be able to explore the two Mining Business License (IUP) areas," said Antam Corporate Secretary Syarif Faisal Alkadrie in his official statement on Thursday (22/2).

Per Law (UU) 3 of 2020, Exploration IUP holders are given a maximum of 8 years to carry out exploration activities in their area.

In line with the company's efforts to strengthen reserves and resources in all core commodities, Antam will conduct aggressive exploration to strengthen the company's business.

"Moreover, Antam ensures that it always conducts exploration activities following the KCMI / SNI / JORC rules to obtain results that will provide an overview of Nickel potential for later development," he added.

Antam always carries out good mining practices by prioritizing occupational safety, health, and operation excellence to ensure mining is carried out thoroughly.

For the record, Antam's nickel operation segment consists of ferronickel commodities and nickel ore. The ferronickel commodity is produced by the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit (UBP).

Nickel ore commodities are produced from nickel mines in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, operated by UBP Nikel Kolaka, nickel mines in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, operated by UBP Nikel Konawe Utara, nickel mines in East Halmahera, North Maluku managed by UBP Nikel North Maluku, and nickel mines in Gag Island, West Papua operated by the company's subsidiary, PT Gag Nikel.

Image source: REUTERS / Yusuf Ahmad
Source: https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/antam-antm-bersiap-untuk-eksplorasi-2-blok-tambang-nikel-baru