PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has reported its exploration activities for the fourth quarter (October-December 2024). The exploration was conducted by PTBA's internal team in collaboration with a third party, a mining services contractor.Corporate Secretary of PTBA, Niko Chandra, explained that the exploration took place in the Tanjung Enim area using coring, open hole, and geophysical logging methods. The activity involved Sucofindo and incurred a cost of IDR 21.69 billion.The exploration focused on the Air Laya and Banko Tengah B areas, resulting in 59 drilling points with a total of 11,204 meters of infill drilling at active mines, as well as additional drilling to expand the exploration coverage with 54 drilling points totaling 10,658 meters.Additionally, coal and rock sampling produced 1,707 coal samples for quality analysis, 299 core samples for rock acidity testing, and 565 samples for rock mechanics testing.Other activities included monitoring the ToCBoC Front of the mine at various locations, such as Muara Tiga Besar, Air Laya, Banko Barat, Banko Tengah A, and Banko Tengah B.Additional costs were allocated for database management, software licenses, and other operational activities.In another area, PTBA’s subsidiary also explored PT Internasional Prima Coal’s (IPC) mine. The exploration was carried out by PT Prasetya Abdi Perkasa using coring and open hole methods.The result was 34 drilling points with a total length of 2,248 meters (579 meters of coring and 1,669 meters of open hole), with a total cost of IDR 2.4 billion.Niko Chandra added that the exploration in Tanjung Enim will continue into 2025. Meanwhile, in the IPC area, the focus will shift to updating geological models and preparing geotechnical study reports.

Eramet Indonesia is striving to achieve decarbonization in its operational areas. Eramet Indonesia CEO, Jerome Baudelet, stated that this aligns with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) roadmap, Act for Positive Mining, which includes 13 goals for the 2024-2026 period, with long-term targets set for 2035."The effectiveness of the Act for Positive Mining strategy will be verified through external audits based on the IRMA standards, or the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance," Jerome said when contacted on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).IRMA is an international coalition consisting of various sectors, including NGOs, consumers, investors, mining companies, and labor unions. Jerome explained that the audit aims to ensure that Eramet’s mining activities prioritize responsible mining principles. He mentioned that Eramet globally plans to audit all its operations, including those in Indonesia, in 2027.“Our achievements include the launch of Eramet Beyond in November 2024 in Indonesia, which aims to support social and economic development around our operational areas,” Jerome revealed. The company is also collaborating with the Kitong Bisa Foundation (KBF) to provide scholarships to students from North Maluku, Papua, and Sulawesi, in an effort to reduce the gap in access to quality education in Eastern Indonesia.Additionally, biodiversity is one of Eramet’s main focus areas. Jerome shared that the company conducts environmental assessments from the early stages of projects and works with local communities for reforestation efforts. “In New Caledonia, we have created a conservation area of 800 hectares. Meanwhile, in Gabon, we are preserving 15 percent of the Okouma mine area to protect the forest and wildlife,” he said.Jerome mentioned that Eramet has reduced global carbon emissions by 12 percent from 2019 to 2022, with a target of achieving a 40 percent reduction by 2030. As part of this, Weda Bay Nickel, a subsidiary of Eramet, plans to develop a decarbonization roadmap this year to further reduce carbon emissions."Eramet wants to be a benchmark in the transformation of minerals and the responsible use of Earth's mineral resources. This vision is aligned with our company’s strategy, which is ‘living well together,’" Jerome explained.

PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN) is optimistic that its gold production target for 2025 can be achieved, supported by a well-planned expansion strategy and operational improvements.Amman’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Kartika Octaviana, revealed that in its 2024 nine-month performance report, Amman has projected its 2025 production with a target of 228 million pounds of copper and 90,000 ounces of gold."These targets reflect the dynamics of operations, which are influenced by the mining plan at Batu Hijau, now entering the early stages of Phase 8 with low to medium-grade ore," said Kartika to Kontan on Tuesday (January 8).Kartika explained that Amman remains focused on operational efficiency and maintaining its status as one of the world's low-cost copper and gold producers. As a price taker, market dynamics do not impact our production and sales strategy. Our main focus remains on optimizing performance and controlling costs.This year, Amman is focusing on completing strategic projects to support future production activities."This year, we are focusing on completing expansion projects, including the final commissioning phase of the copper smelter and precious metal refining, gas and steam power plants, LNG facilities, and processing plant expansion," said Kartika.Kartika added that the company continues to prioritize safety in the construction process to ensure that all facilities can operate optimally and safely in the long term. To support this, Amman has allocated a capital expenditure (capex) of US$ 1.4 billion for the period from Q4 2024 to 2025. The capex realization for Q4 2024 will be announced in the 2024 fiscal year performance report, which is scheduled for release in March 2025.Several projects currently underway at Amman, such as the copper smelter, gas and steam power plants, and LNG facilities, are designed to enhance operational capacity and support the company's sustainable growth. Additionally, the expansion of the processing plant will be a crucial catalyst to boost production capacity, particularly in addressing the challenge of lower-grade ores.With a well-measured long-term strategy and significant investment in infrastructure development, Amman is optimistic about meeting its production targets and maintaining competitiveness in the global mining industry.

MIND ID is consistent in applying the best systems for water management in each of its strategic projects. This is not just about meeting operational production standards, but also part of a long-term strategy to preserve the environment.This is comprehensively implemented at the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, which is operated by PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia, a joint venture between PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (INALUM) and PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM). SGAR has utility facilities ranging from a production wastewater treatment station to a water intake station.MIND ID's Corporate Secretary, Heri Yusuf, emphasized that SGAR is one of the national strategic projects, and MIND ID strives to ensure that every system applied is the best system, including in terms of water management."Through an integrated water management system, we aim to reduce surface water consumption, while ensuring that the water used can be treated, recycled, and returned to the environment with quality that meets standards," he said, as quoted in a written statement on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).Heri explained that the integrated water management process begins with the treatment of raw water at the Intake Water Station, distribution and storage through the River Water Regulating Pool, and purification at the Water Purification Plant.The wastewater generated from production is processed at the Production Wastewater Treatment Station using the latest technology to ensure its quality before being recycled or returned to the environment.Heri Yusuf added that the success of the water management system at SGAR is closely linked to the application of advanced technology and a commitment to continuously improve operational efficiency."The principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle form the foundation of every step we take in managing water at SGAR. This approach not only helps us meet environmental standards but also ensures that water resources are preserved for the sustainability of operations in the future," he explained.SGAR also optimizes the use of rainwater through the Rainwater Collecting Pool, where the collected water is treated and reused for various operational needs.Domestic waste from daily activities is processed at the Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant, which applies a series of anaerobic, anoxic, aerobic, and precipitation processes to ensure that the wastewater is free of harmful contaminants before being discharged into water bodies.In addition, the Demineralized Water Plant at SGAR ensures the availability of high-quality water to support production processes that require specific standards. Through demineralization technology, the water produced is free from mineral salts and ready to be used in various production activities that require high precision.

PT Bumi Resources Minerals (BRMS) views the gold business prospects as still positive, supported by predictions that global gold prices are projected to reach USD 3,000 per troy ounce in 2025-2026, according to various international institutions such as Goldman Sachs, UBS, and JP Morgan.According to the Director & Chief Investor Relations Officer of Bumi Resources Minerals (BRMS), Herwin W. Hidayat, these predictions create a positive sentiment for BRMS, which is currently on an expansion path for gold production.As of September 2024, BRMS recorded gold production of 46,000 ounces, with the potential to reach over 55,000 ounces or even approach 60,000 ounces by the end of 2024."This is an outstanding increase considering BRMS' gold production in 2023 was around 23,000 ounces. This means the impact of this production increase will be positive for BRMS' financial performance," said Herwin to Kontan on Tuesday (January 7).Herwin mentioned that the rise in gold production will directly impact BRMS' financial performance, which continues to improve amid the focus on developing strategic projects.One of BRMS' key projects is the development of underground mining infrastructure in Poboya, Palu. Currently, the mine still uses open-pit mining methods with an average gold grade of 1.5 grams per ton (g/t)."Our underground mining plan in Poboya is expected to start operating by 2027, with a much higher average gold grade, above 3.5 g/t. This will significantly boost our gold production," Herwin explained.In addition, BRMS is also focused on completing the construction of a gold ore processing plant in Gorontalo. This facility is scheduled to begin operations in mid-2026, in line with the plans outlined at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2024.Regarding the capital expenditure (capex) requirements for 2025, Herwin stated that details on the allocation of capex and its funding sources will be announced in the first quarter of 2025.

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR), is targeting an increase in gold sales to 240,000 ounces by 2025. This target is higher compared to the 2024 projection of 235,000 ounces. This aligns with UNTR's focus on strengthening its mineral mining business, particularly in gold and nickel.United Tractors' Corporate Secretary, Sara K. Loebis, stated that UNTR remains optimistic, although she did not disclose detailed prospects or financial projections. "Regarding the prospects, I can't elaborate further; perhaps it only refers to macroeconomic analysis” said Sara to Kontan on Tuesday (January 7).Sara explained that this year, United Tractors is targeting several performance improvements. In addition to the gold sales target, the company also aims to achieve heavy equipment sales of 4,600 units (up from 4,350 units in 2024), coal production for its clients of 150-152 million tons, with overburden removal (OB) of 1.2-1.3 billion bcm, coal sales of 14 million tons (up from 13 million tons in 2024), and nickel ore sales of 2 million wmt (up from 1.9 million wmt in 2024).Despite showing growth ambitions, United Tractors has not planned any new acquisitions in the near future. As part of its business development plan, UNTR has allocated a capital expenditure (capex) of around USD 1 billion for 2025, which is stable compared to last year's budget. This funding will be used for operational capex and will be covered by internal cash.Sara detailed that about 60% of the capex will be allocated to the mining contractor segment, 20% to mineral mining infrastructure, and the remainder for other purposes."60% will be used for the mining contractor business line, 20% for mineral mining infrastructure such as gold and nickel, and the rest for other needs" Sara explained.UNTR also sees significant market potential, supported by commodity price trends and global demand. However, future strategies will be adjusted based on macroeconomic conditions and the dynamics of the mining market in Indonesia and globally.United Tractors has long managed the mining contractor business through its subsidiary, PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA). The mineral sector, particularly gold and nickel, has become one of the key areas for expansion, in line with the growing global demand for renewable energy.

Thiess is pleased to announce that it has secured the USD 330 million Kapuas Bara Utama (KBU) mining contract in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The six-year project is a strong statement of Thiess’ ongoing competitiveness after more than 35 years in the region. Under the contract, Thiess will undertake all mining activities, including site establishment, technical services, overburden removal, and water management. Mobilisation for the project will commence in early 2025, aligning with Thiess’ strategic focus on strengthening its presence in its key markets, and fostering strong partnerships with communities and clients. Thiess Group Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: "This contract highlights the trust that Kapuas Bara Utama has placed in Thiess as a partner of choice in the mining industry.  It reflects our team’s capability to deliver innovative, productive and sustainable solutions that help our clients achieve their goals." Thiess Group Executive – Asia Cluny Randell added: "The KBU project represents an exciting chapter for Thiess in Central Kalimantan.  Securing this partnership further strengthens our presence in the region, where we have consistently delivered value to our clients, whilst contributing positively to local communities." As part of its commitment to supporting local communities, Thiess will focus on an empowerment program for village-owned enterprises, providing fair and equal business opportunities for local entrepreneurs through the procurement of goods and services needed for the project, as well as providing opportunities for a diverse workforce of Thiess people.Under this contract, Thiess will also extend its Clean River Program in collaboration with the local community and the International River Foundation, as well as collaborating with the client to upgrade and maintain nearby public roads.Thiess is set to deliver exceptional outcomes through this partnership, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted mining services provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) is currently seeking investors to manage a coal mining concession spanning 25,000 to 26,000 hectares in East Kalimantan. This comes after the religious organization obtained a special mining business permit (WIUPK) for the area. PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf stated that investors are needed to finance reclamation costs as a requirement for operating the mine. "The government has regulations on this matter. Before we start, we are required to deposit a large reclamation guarantee, so we need to find investors who can help us fund this," Yahya said during a virtual press conference on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).He explained that the reclamation guarantee fund will not be lost. The money will be deposited with the government and ultimately used to finance post-mining reclamation. According to him, this is a necessity to ensure the protection of the environment. "It is automatically implemented. If it doesn’t proceed, it becomes a legal issue, as there is a legal obligation for reclamation, and it must be carried out," Yahya said.To manage the coal mine, NU has also established PT BUMN, or PT Berkah Usaha Muamalah Nusantara. Yahya explained that this company is managed by the NU cooperative as the business entity responsible for managing the mine. He also confirmed that the WIUPK (Special Mining Business Permit) for NU has been issued, and they are currently preparing the exploration process. After that, NU will begin mining coal effectively.Meanwhile, NU is also conducting an environmental study as required by the government. "Of course, we will follow the required procedures because the permit has already been granted to us. We will fulfill all the requirements," Yahya explained.According to Bisnis' records, the mining land allocated to PBNU is former land from the coal mining agreement (PKP2B) of PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC). KPC is one of the coal mining entities of PT Bumi Resources Tbk. (BUMI), a company owned by the Bakrie Group, which is now jointly controlled with the Salim Group.

PT Golden Energy Mines Tbk. (GEMS) targets a coal production volume of 50 million to 51 million tons for 2025. The company's Corporate Secretary, Sudin, explained that the coal production target is expected to be the same as in 2024, at 50-51 million tons. "The sales volume is estimated to be 51-52 million tons" said Sudin on Tuesday (January 7, 2025). Sudin further explained that GEMS' production and sales figures remain unchanged between 2024 and 2025. This is in line with the new RKAB system, which will be effective for three years, from 2024 to 2026, unless revisions are made.On the other hand, Sudin said that GEMS' capital expenditure for this year is estimated to be between US$30 million and US$35 million. "The capital expenditure will be used for hauling road facilities, ports, and other supporting facilities" said Sudin.Previously, GEMS projected that coal prices will remain stable in 2025. Golden Energy Mines Director, Suhendra, explained that with relatively abundant reserves, coal will continue to be one of the key sources of energy in Indonesia, both for electricity generation and other industries. "Despite the growing demand for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the demand for coal, both domestically and for export, is expected to remain high in 2025" said Suhendra on Thursday (December 5, 2024). He continued that the thermal coal price at the end of November and early December 2024 has been relatively stable. GEMS also forecasts that coal prices will not fluctuate significantly. "On the other hand, there are still opportunities to seek new export markets, especially in Southeast Asia" Suhendra added. He also mentioned that GEMS will continue to implement superior mining operational strategies and regularly monitor costs to ensure the company can maximize its performance.

Chairman of the Indonesian Mining Institute, Irwandy Arif, revealed that at least 55 nickel smelters will be operating in Indonesia.These 55 smelters consist of 49 Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace (RKEF) smelters that will produce nickel pig iron (NPI) and 6 High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) smelters."Currently, around 36 smelters are still under construction" he said during a Mining Zone interview, quoted on Monday, January 6.With the 36 new smelters being built, Irwandy projects that domestic nickel demand will increase by 185 million tons. The nickel demand from smelters already in operation reaches 300 million tons per year."So, what about the demand that will arise soon? The demand from the 36 new smelters will be around 185 million tons. So, if we add 300 million and 185 million, it’s almost 500 million" Irwandy added.He further mentioned that Indonesia’s current nickel reserves, both saprolite and limonite, are only about 5 billion tons. Therefore, Irwandy urges the government to increase the country’s nickel reserves."Our reserves are only 5 billion tons. So, we need to increase the reserves first" he said briefly.Furthermore, Irwandy said that in order to achieve a balance between supply and demand, both in Indonesia and globally, a strong commitment from the government is needed to implement good mining practices in the industry.Not only that, he continued, the government also needs to regulate the production of steel and batteries, which are still wide open for development."But there is still one more thing that the government needs to focus on: the third nickel downstream pathway, which is how to create pure nickel metal. This is the most expensive of all, and it is used for the fast-growing aviation industry, which we have not yet developed" Irwandy concluded.