Banyuwangi Emerges as Home to Indonesia’s Third Largest Copper Mine
Wed 27 Aug 2025, 02:05 AM
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Banyuwangi Regency is not only rich in natural scenery but also holds world-class mineral potential. After gold, it has now been revealed that this easternmost region of Java has the third-largest copper mining potential in Indonesia.
This news was conveyed by Roelly Fransza, General Manager of Operations (GMO) and Head of Mining Engineering (KTT) at PT Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI). He stated that in March 2024, the Mineral Resources Estimate (MRE) indicated an increase in mineral reserves, reaching 8.2 million tons of copper and 22.9 million ounces of gold.
"When the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project is operational, it will be the third-largest copper mine in Indonesia. It has the potential to increase Indonesian copper production by 10-15 percent," he said on Wednesday (August 27, 2025).
Roelly, as he is familiarly known, added that the pre-feasibility study also indicated significant economic benefits for developing an underground mine at Mount Tumpang Pitu in Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District. This potential is projected to be long-lived and globally significant with a phased approach.
"At peak production, it will process 24 million tons of ore per year, producing 110,000 tonnes of copper and 350,000 ounces of gold over 30 years," he explained.
As an investor, this subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk is committed to making a positive impact on both the central and regional governments, through tax and non-tax contributions, job creation, business opportunities for local companies, and Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) programs, also known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
For your information, PT BSI, which operates in Pancer Hamlet, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi, has been designated as a National Vital Object (Obvitnas) through the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 159.K/90/MEM/2020.
This Domestic Investment Company (PMDN) holds a Production Operation Mining Business Permit (IUP OP) based on Decree No. 188/547/KEP/429.011/2012. This permit covers five villages in Pesanggaran District: Sumberagung, Pesanggaran, Sumbermulyo, Sarongan, and Kandangan.
PT BSI also continues to demonstrate its commitment to local communities through eight core Community Empowerment (PPM) programs. These programs cover education, health, employment, economic independence, socio-cultural preservation, environmental protection, community organization formation, and infrastructure development.
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