Copper and Gold Mining Exploration by PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) at the Onto Block in Hu'u District, Dompu Regency, still requires a long period of time before entering the production stage.

PT STM targets production to begin in 2030, after completing all stages of the feasibility study.

Currently, PT STM is in the pre-feasibility study (Pre-FS) phase, which will take several more years before reaching the final feasibility study (FS).

"Right now, it's still in the Pre-FS phase, and they are preparing the necessary documents. There is no further exploration work being done," said Izzudin Mahili, Acting Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Department of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, to Radar Lombok on Thursday (February 6).

He stated that the Pre-FS phase is expected to be completed by 2028. If the study results show a viable potential, production can begin in 2030.

However, as of now, the department is unable to estimate the potential mining reserves that PT STM may generate. "The results will only be available after the study is completed. Even then, the authority lies with the Ministry," he explained.

"After the feasibility study is completed, PT STM still needs to go through various preparations before entering the construction and production stages. The feasibility study covers various aspects, including environmental analysis, social impact, and technical aspects of mining operations.

"Everything takes time, including the study from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). Since the special mining business permit (IUPK) is under the Ministry's authority," he added.

Izzudin emphasized that up to this point, PT STM has not conducted exploitation, but is still in the process of assessing the mining potential in the area. He gave the example of PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), which also took years before it could begin its mining production.

Regarding the issue that PT STM is not empowering the local community in its project, Izzudin denied the accusation. He explained that because the project is still in the feasibility study phase, the need for labor is still limited."

"This is still in the feasibility study stage, not exploration. So, the number of workers needed is still limited. Once the company starts requiring labor, they will recruit. But if it's not needed yet, the number of workers will also remain limited," he said.

The government of NTB Province hopes that the production process can begin as soon as possible so that the economic benefits of the mining project can be felt by the community. However, he also emphasized that the final decision remains in the hands of the central government and the company.

Before entering the Pre-FS stage, initial exploration results showed that the mining potential in Hu'u is quite large. However, the exact reserve figures will only be known after the FS is completed.

"This stage is determined by the ministry. The company also has to calculate carefully, because this is a large investment. If the potential found is small, they will certainly reconsider the continuation," he said.