PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Group, is ramping up its coal downstream projects in 2025. Several coal downstream projects are currently being developed by PTBA.

Through collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), PTBA has started a pilot project to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets for battery raw materials, particularly for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

The Director of Business Development at PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Rafli Yandra, said that the development of artificial graphite and anode sheets could become an important breakthrough in coal downstream processing. In addition, it will also support the advancement of the domestic electric vehicle industry.

Another coal downstream product currently being developed by PTBA is humic acid. The research and development of low-calorie coal into humic acid is being conducted by PTBA in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

The launch of the humic acid prototype was carried out at the Mining Business License (IUP) area in Peranap, Indragiri Hulu, Riau, on December 12, 2024. This prototype will then be developed toward a pilot project.

"Downstreaming coal into humic acid supports the Asta Cita program in terms of food self-sufficiency, which is currently a priority for the government. We hope that this innovation will eventually benefit the improvement of community welfare," said Rafli in a press statement on Tuesday (January 21).

PTBA is also diversifying its business into new and renewable energy (EBT). PTBA has several former mining sites that are being explored for the development of solar power plants (PLTS).

Among these are the post-mining lands in Ombilin (West Sumatra) and Tanjung Enim (South Sumatra). The potential for solar power plants on these post-mining lands is estimated to reach 200 Megawatt-peak (MWp).

So far, the company has built a solar power plant at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in collaboration with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero), which has been fully operational since October 2020. This solar power plant has a maximum capacity of 241 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is installed at the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) building.

Not only with Angkasa Pura II, PTBA has also partnered with Jasa Marga Group for the development of solar power plants (PLTS) on toll roads. A 400 kWp solar power plant on the Bali-Mandara Toll Road has been completed and was officially launched on September 21, 2022.

The company has also collaborated with PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) in the construction of a 23.07 kWp solar power plant, which reached its Commercial Operation Date (COD) in June 2023.