PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria) targets the first commercial production of Ferronickel (FeNi) from the Merah Putih Smelter Line 1 to begin at the end of April 2025. PT Ceria is a nickel mining and processing company created by the nation's children operating in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.

General Manager of RKEF Operation Readiness PT Ceria, Roimon Barus said that the hot commissioning process has been running since February 23, 2025. Starting with feeding nickel ore to the dryer system and continued with electric furnace heating up.

"All electric furnace units have been actively using electricity supply since early April 2025. We are optimistic that the first commercial production of FeNi will be realized at the end of April 2025," he said in a press release, Tuesday (8/4/2025).

PT Ceria's Merah Putih Smelter carries Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) technology with a capacity of 72 MVA. This technology is designed not only for production efficiency but also to meet strict Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

The Rectangular Electric Furnace technology implemented by PT Ceria has advantages in energy efficiency because it is able to retain heat longer, optimize fuel combustion, and reduce electricity consumption per ton of product. This design also minimizes exhaust emissions, supporting the principle of environmental responsibility.

In addition, the smelter facility is equipped with a dust collector system, waste management, and digital and real-time emission monitoring tools, to ensure that environmental quality standards are always adhered to.

All electricity supplies for the PT Ceria Smelter also come from PLN UID Sulselrabar which has obtained a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). Ensuring the use of green energy and supporting the national decarbonization target. "With the use of this green electricity, PT Ceria's nickel products have a minimal carbon footprint, supporting the sustainable nickel industry in Indonesia," he said. 

Sustainable Mining

Not only in the downstream sector, PT Ceria's ESG implementation is also applied comprehensively in the nickel mining area in Wolo District, Kolaka Regency. PT Ceria prioritizes the principles of good mining practice which include environmental management, community social empowerment ( social responsibility ), and good corporate governance ( governance ).

In terms of the environment, PT Ceria carries out sustainable management of post-mining land reclamation and revegetation, erosion and sedimentation control, and protection of protected areas around the mining area. The company also implements an integrated water management system to maintain the quality of environmental water.

From a social perspective, PT Ceria prioritizes empowering local workers and developing MSMEs. Then education and health programs for the surrounding community, as well as maintaining harmonious relations with local stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the governance principle is manifested in an operational system that complies with laws and regulations. Strict internal supervision, and openness of information to the public, especially in managing environmental and social aspects.

"As a PMDN, PSN, and Obvitnas company, PT Ceria is committed to building a responsible and sustainable nickel industry ecosystem, from mining to downstream products," he explained.

Towards a Global Player in the ESG-Based Nickel Industry
In long-term development, PT Ceria is targeting the construction of a total of 4 RKEF production lines with a production capacity of 252,800 tons of FeNi per year or equivalent to 55,600 tons of nickel metal.

In addition, the development of Nickel Matte Converter, Nickel Sulphate, and HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leach) facilities to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) is also being designed to strengthen PT Ceria's position in the EV Battery Supply Chain.

Raimon emphasized that with the implementation of modern RKEF technology and an ESG-based operating system, PT Ceria's Red and White Smelter is projected to produce high-quality Ferronickel (FeNi) products. Including green nickel products or green nickel products that have advantages in terms of environment and sustainability.

FeNi products from PT Ceria's Smelter will have a low carbon footprint. This is because it is supported by the use of electrical energy from green energy sources, energy efficiency technology in furnaces, and strict emission and waste management according to global standards. This makes PT Ceria's nickel products increasingly competitive in the international market, especially to support the needs of the electric vehicle supply chain and the world's clean energy industry.

"With all these standards and technologies, PT Ceria is ready to produce environmentally friendly green nickel products, support the green economy, and strengthen Indonesia's position as a major player in the sustainable nickel industry based on ESG and Good Mining Practice in the world," he said.