PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) is set to begin operations at the Pani Gold Mine project, located in Pohuwato, Gorontalo. This project is said to have a mineral resource of 6.9 million ounces of gold.

The Chief of External Affairs of PT Merdeka Copper Gold, Boyke Abidin, stated that with such a mineral resource, the Pani Gold Mine is expected to produce up to 300,000 ounces of gold per year. At its peak, production could reach up to 500,000 ounces annually.

"God willing, our mine in Pani, with the resource of 6.9 million ounces, is expected to produce 300,000 ounces per year. This is roughly equivalent to the production of mid-to-large scale mining companies. It’s no longer small but mid-to-large scale," Boyke said during an interview in Jakarta, as quoted on Tuesday (17/12/2024).

Boyke also targeted the commissioning of the Pani Gold Mine project to be completed by the end of 2025, with the first gold production expected to begin in early 2026.

"Everything is still progressing according to plan. It is still on schedule so far. In the future, Pani will employ around 2,000 workers. In accordance with regulations, we are required to hire local people," he said.

According to Boyke, the recruitment of workers for the Pani Gold Mine project is an important part of the company's commitment to empower the local community, in line with applicable regulations. The local people referred to are those who hold an ID card from the district surrounding the mine or, at the furthest, from Gorontalo Province.

"This is our commitment to start recruitment and training in January. We will recruit and then train so that the local community gains the necessary skills to work in mining, just like other Indonesians who are already accustomed to working in the sector," he explained.