PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN) through its subsidiary, PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT), is expected to start copper cathode production in the fourth quarter of 2024 is expected to start copper cathode production in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The company is currently completing the commissioning process of the copper smelter in West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

As of May 31, 2024, the progress of the project, which is a National Strategic Project (PSN), has reached 95.5 percent.

AMNT President Director Rachmat Makkasau in an official statement in Jakarta, Saturday, explained that the smelter is designed to have an installed input capacity of 900 thousand tons of concentrate per year (ktpa).

“In addition, the smelter will produce final products in the form of 222 thousand tons of copper cathode per year (tpa), as well as sulfuric acid, gold bars, silver bars, and selenium,” Rachmat said.

He continued, currently the physical construction and mechanical completion have been completed, and the progress of the smelter leaves another 5 percent, which is the commissioning stage that is in process.

“The commissioning process, which began in early June 2024, is scheduled to last for five months,” Rachmat said.

During this period, various stages of equipment and infrastructure testing will be carried out to ensure all systems function optimally before starting commercial production.

“One of the stages in the commissioning process is the entry of copper concentrate as a smelter feed. Meanwhile, the first copper cathode production from the smelter is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024,” Rachmat said.

By 2023, AMNT's contribution to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of West Sumbawa Regency will be 82 percent.

In constructing the smelter, AMNT is working with international contractors, including China Non-ferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd (NFC) and PT Pengembangan Industri Logam (PT PIL).

“We expect this project to be one of the fastest double-flash smelting facilities built outside China,” Rachmat said.

The company obtained certification for the National Vital Object Security Management System (SMP Obvitnas) from the National Police Headquarters, with a Gold category and a compliance value of 90.44 percent. based on Presidential Decree No. 63 of 2004 and Indonesian National Police Regulation No. 7 of 2019, which regulates the security of national vital objects.

Rachmat explained that the certification confirms the company's commitment to implementing best practices in security management.

“This success is also a strategic step in eliminating potential threats and disturbances, and systematically improving operational security,” Rachmat said.

In addition, the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding & Technical Work Guidelines for National Security Services with the NTB Police to strengthen security and supervision during the smelter construction process. This step is in line with the company's efforts to strengthen its recently certified security management system.