From 2023 to 2024, the investment in smelters in Indonesia is projected to amount to USD 11.6 billion (IDR 182.3 trillion) for 16 smelters' development.During a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta on Tuesday, the Acting Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Bambang Suswantono, said that out of the 16 planned smelters, seven will be for nickel, seven to bauxite, one to iron, and one to copper.Bambang Suswantono noted that the seven nickel smelters entail a USD 2.67 billion investment, with five already operational since 2023. State-owned mining company Antam's nickel smelter is nearing completion at 99 percent, while Ang And Fang Brother's smelter is still under construction.In addition, the seven bauxite sector smelters are valued at USD 5.85 billion, with USD 51.5 million invested in iron smelters. The highest investment, totaling USD 3.08 billion, is directed towards Freeport Indonesia's copper smelter, currently at 90 percent completion.Furthermore, Bambang Suswantono stressed the importance of efficient industrialization policies in the mineral industry. The ministry is implementing strategies to integrate the supply chain between mining and smelting, involve stakeholders in downstream policies, and foster the development of advanced industries.Image source: B-Universe Photo/Rifqi DanwanusSource: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/116-billion-invested-in-indonesias-smelters 

PT Multi Harapan Utama (MHU), a business unit of MMS Group Indonesia (MMSGI), has agreed on a coal sale and purchase cooperation with Shaanxi Shaanmei Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. (SHAANMEI). The agreement was marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing at Shangri-La Hotel, Central Jakarta, represented by Saly Putra from MHU and Li Ce from SHAANMEI.The MoU signifies the commitment of both parties to establish coal buying and selling cooperation throughout 2024. MHU, a coal mining company operating in East Kalimantan, will supply 1.5 million metric tons (MT) to SHAANMEI, one of the largest coal importers in China."The Chinese market is one of the largest coal markets in the world, and this cooperation opens up great opportunities for MHU to increase export volumes and strengthen our position in the global market, in line with MHU's vision to become a progressive and leading coal producer in Indonesia," said MHU Marketing Division Head Saly Putra in a written statement, Thursday (3/21/2024).Saly Putra explained that MHU has achieved the company's sales targets in recent years. In 2022, MHU penetrated the Chinese market and became one of the top three coal exporters through the cooperation of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) and the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association (CCTDA) facilitated by the government."The MoU signing is a clear proof of MHU's trust and credibility in the international market, especially in China," he said.SHAANMEI President Director Li Ce welcomed this synergy. He believes MHU can be a reliable partner and is confident that this collaboration will provide significant benefits for both parties.The partnership not only signifies MHU's innovative strides in the global arena but also strengthens bilateral trade ties between Indonesia and China, with projected significant contributions to both countries' economies.MHU has set its positive vision to expand its export volume to China, which reflects its commitment to job creation to drive sustainable business improvement and growth in harmony with social welfare in Indonesia.Image source: ANTARA FOTO / NOVA WAHYUDISource: https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-7252950/perusahaan-ri-mau-pasok-1-5-juta-mt-batu-bara-ke-china 

PT Ifishdeco Tbk (IDX: IFSH) is seeking capital by inviting new investors for the acquisition or purchase of shares in companies similar to the company, such as nickel mining.IFSH will offer as many as 425 million new shares with a nominal value of IDR 100 per share, equivalent to 20 percent of the issued and paid-up capital.The new shares will be offered through a series of Capital Increases with Pre-emptive Rights (PMHMETD) or rights issues."The plan is expected to strengthen the capital structure in the context of business development by inviting potential new investors, both local and foreign, to participate in capital investment to provide added value to the company's performance," wrote the company's management.The corporate action will be held within twelve months after the approval of investors at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) on April 30, 2024.Image source: Pasardana.idSource: https://pasardana.id/news/2024/3/22/ifsh-cari-pemodal-baru-guna-caplok-tambang-nikel/ 

PT Harum Energy Tbk (HRUM) is focusing on the nickel business. For the record, through its subsidiary, PT Harum Nickel Industry (HNI), HRUM purchased shares owned by Prime Investment Capital Limited and Walsin Singapore Pte. Ltd. in PT Westrong Metal Industry (WMI) last January.Harum Nickel Industry purchased 1,214,000 shares, representing 60.7% of the issued and paid-up capital of Westrong Metal Industry. The value of this share purchase transaction reached USD 215.21 million.With the completion of this share purchase transaction, Harum Nickel Industry's share ownership in Westrong Metal Industry increased from the previous 20% to 80.7% of the issued and paid-up capital.Harum Energy President Director Ray Antonio Gunara said HRUM is still formulating a nickel production target in 2024. HRUM's second smelter will only start commercial operations this March.  "We currently have a consolidated annual installed production capacity of more than 80,000 tons of nickel," he told Kontan on Thursday (21/3).According to Ray, the government's focus on downstream policies is expected to continue to maintain positive sentiment, not only for HRUM's nickel business line but also for the Indonesian nickel industry in general."Given that the nickel sector and its derivative products have become one of the mainstays of Indonesia's exports," he said.Regarding fluctuations in nickel prices, Ray sees the upheaval as short-term.Launching Trading Economics on Friday (3/22), nickel prices rose 0.99% in the past month. However, nickel prices have corrected by 21.65% over the past year.According to Ray, this is due to an imbalance in demand and supply."However, in the long term, we are optimistic about the prospects for nickel prices, seeing the growth in nickel commodities that continues to increase," he said.MNC Sekuritas analyst Herditya Wicaksana said the HRUM stock movement is at the support level of IDR 1,280 per share and resistance of IDR 1,420 per share. Herditya recommended buying on weakness for HRUM with a target price of IDR 1,450 - IDR 1,520 per share.Kanaka Hita Solvera Equity Analyst William Wibowo sees that the movement of HRUM shares is at the support level of IDR 1,200 per share and resistance of IDR 1,510 per share.William also recommended buying on weakness for HRUM with a target price of IDR 1,510 per share.Image source: KONTAN / PT Harum Energy Energi Tbk (HRUM)Source: https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/smelter-nikel-kedua-milik-hrum-akan-beroperasi-maret-ini-cek-rekomendasi-sahamnya 

PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), as a subsidiary of PT Bumi Resources Tbk (BUMI), revealed that the company will open two new coal mining locations (pits) shortly.KPC Chief Operation Officer and Head of Mining Engineering, Hendro Ichwanto, said the company will open two new pits expected to start operating in the second semester of 2024. "There may be two additional pits this year," Hendro said when met at his office, Sangatta, East Kalimantan, quoted on Friday (3/22/2024).Furthermore, with the plan to add the two pits, the total pits operated by KPC will be 12 pits this year. "As of now, our total operating pits are 12 mines until the end of the year, twelve different pits," he explained.Later, the two pits, which will be in operation in the second quarter of 2024, will increase KCP's production capacity to one million tons of coal cumulatively annually.The location of the two newest KPC pits is in the Bengalon and South Pinang East areas. He also said that the operation of the two pits is targeted to be carried out in close proximity, to be precise, around August and September 2024."We are targeting in the second semester of this year between September and August, at most," he said.During the same occasion, Hendro also said that KPC's production, which has been approved in the company's RKAB or Work Plan and Budget for 2024, is 53.5 million tons and will apply flat or the same until 2026. "This year, we are at 53.5 million tons. (Per year until 2026) It will be the same, flat 53.5 million tons," he explained.In his explanation, the realization of coal production in 2023 was higher than the company's production plan in 2024. Hendro said that in 2023, the realization of KPC's coal production reached 54.2 million tons."Last year, we reached 54 million tons, while the RKAB was also 53.5 million tons. However, (the 2023 RKAB) was revised to 54 million tons," he concluded.Image source: CNBC Indonesia / Firda Dwi MuliawatiSource: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20240322091541-4-524355/genjot-produksi-kpc-bersiap-buka-2-lahan-tambang-baru-tahun-ini 

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) is exploring potential investment in a high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) nickel smelter in Sulawesi. The estimated cost is IDR 30 trillion (around USD 1.91 billion), the Ministry of Investment said on Monday (18/3/2024).The "SOA HPAL" plant will be the company's third project to convert nickel ore into mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP).The MHP material is used to make electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to presentation materials shown by Indonesian Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.A spokesperson for Vale Indonesia declined to comment, according to a Reuters report following the news.The ministry said the INCO-listed smelter could have an annual production capacity of 60,000 metric tons (MT) of nickel at MHP. Bahlil added that INCO is completing the final stages of exploration and will partner with a car manufacturer.INCO already has two HPAL plants under construction in Pomalaa and Sorowako, Sulawesi. Both projects are in partnership with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt.Last month, state-owned mining holding company MIND ID, or Mineral Industry Indonesia, agreed to acquire a 14% stake in Vale Indonesia (INCO) from Vale Canada and Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining to become a major shareholder.Image source: REUTERS / Ajeng Dinar UlfianaSource: https://investor.id/market/356826/penambang-nikel-vale-berencana-bangun-pabrik-hpal-rp-30-triliun 

PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) is removing the stigma that jobs in the mining sector can only be done by men. 120 women are empowered as haul truck operators at the Wetar Copper Mine Operation managed by PT BKP-BTR (a subsidiary of MDKA).As of February 2024, MDKA employs 796 female employees out of a total of 7,390 employees (approximately 11% of employees) spread across Jakarta and some of MDKA's mining operations in Indonesia. There has been a 2.5% increase in the number of female employees since March 2023 and some of them are at the managerial level."In other words, Wetar Copper Mine operates its haul trucks with 100% female employees. In addition, the Green Operator program at the Tujuh Bukit Banyuwangi Mine Operation, which is managed by PT Bumi Suksesindo (a subsidiary of MDKA), also conducts training and produces a majority of female employees as operators of heavy haul equipment at the Tujuh Bukit mine operation," said MDKA Director of Human Resources Titien Supeno in a written statement, Tuesday (12/3/2024).In terms of organizations, MDKA has also joined national and international organizations related to women, such as Women in Mining & Energy (WiME) and the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE). Not just a member, MDKA also actively participates in activities organized by these organizations to strengthen the company's commitment to supporting inclusiveness in the work environment."In addition to the growing number of female workers, as a form of commitment to the principle of human rights, MDKA has also opened equal employment opportunities to our brothers and sisters who have disabilities to work with other employees within the MDKA Group," she said.For the record, MDKA also held a series of International Women's Day 2024 with the theme 'Inspire Inclusion' on March 7-8, 2024. This series of activities is a form of appreciation and pride for the contribution of female workers in MDKA. In the series of events, MDKA supported MSMEs owned by employees and colleagues with disabilities by holding a bazaar and a skills workshop by cooperating with the disabled community forum, namely Setara Berdaya and Precious One.In addition, MDKA also discussed with Komnas Perempuan RI. The theme of the discussion was 'Empowering Women and Promoting Inclusiveness for a Sustainable Economy.' The series of activities is a momentum for the future in increasing support for diversity in the work environment, inclusiveness, and improving facilities aimed at providing comfort for female workers in the company."Going forward, MDKA will continue to develop policies and facilities so that MDKA can be a safe and comfortable workplace for all employees, especially women and people with disabilities. We have facilitated employees with a comfortable lactation room, two days of menstrual leave, female operator positions on site, and a whistleblowing system, professionally managed by an independent consultant, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), specifically designed in the event of violations in our workplace," Titien concluded.Image source: Detik.com / Doc. Merdeka Copper GoldSource: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-7237814/merdeka-copper-gold-berdayakan-120-perempuan-jadi-sopir-truk-tambang 

PT Acset Indonusa Tbk (ACST) plans to diversify its business into the mining construction sector.As reported in the disclosure of information on the IDX website, Friday (15/3), ACST has conducted a feasibility study for the plan to add business activities, namely mining civil building construction, other mining and quarrying support activities, and telecommunications activities specifically for its own needs.ACST originally had its main business in building construction, civil building construction, and supporting installations.ACST management said there are several reasons why the company wants to diversify its business.For the mining civil building construction sector, ACST sees that the industry is growing rapidly, thus requiring government and private sector support.For the specialized telecommunications industry sector, ACST sees the development of the industry and its market needs to continue.For the mining and quarrying support sector, the company can experience growth in this industry by continuing to implement innovation, sustainability, and good governance."However, the company must still pay attention that the development of this business means the company will have new competitors. To minimize this, Acset will start offering services to companies in the same group and customers/partners," wrote management in the disclosure of information.With the addition of business in the mining construction sector, ACST's total assets are projected to increase by an average of 10.46% in 2024-2028 compared to without the addition.The increase is projected to come from cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, customer advances, prepayments, and retention receivables to progress under construction.  "Total assets in the 2028 period are projected at IDR 1.9 trillion with the addition of KBLI (Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification), while without KBLI, it is estimated at IDR 17 trillion," said management.In addition, the company's liabilities with the addition of KBLI are estimated to increase by an average of 11.81% over the same period. The rise came from trade payables, customer deposits, loans, and obligations under capital leases.  Management stated that liabilities in 2028 are projected to reach IDR 1.4 trillion, while without the addition of KBLI, it is estimated at IDR 1.2 trillion.On the other hand, ACST's equity with the addition of KBLI is forecast to increase by an average of 6.28% during 2024-2028 compared to without the addition of KLBI. The increase is expected to come from retained earnings.  "Equity in 2028 is projected at IDR 509 billion, while without the addition of KBLI, it is projected at IDR 449 billion," said management.ACST management explained that this business diversification also aims to develop business activities to adapt to the dynamics of the construction sector, especially in the mining sector. This is a response to the rapid development in the country's mining sector.In addition, ACST Management also considers that the Company is part of the PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) group. Thus, ACST has access to a variety of promising potential mining construction projects, emphasizing its position as a reliable, highly qualified partner to meet the construction needs in the mining sector."The company's step in developing its business in construction activities in the mining sector is expected to be a promising milestone in the future for the company," explained the management.Image source: Kontan / Doc. PT. Acset Indonusa Tbk.Source: https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/diversifikasi-bisnis-acset-indonusa-acst-bakal-garap-sektor-konstruksi-tambang?page=all 

PLN signed an agreement with PT Kalimantan Ferro Industry (KFI) on Tuesday (5/3) for the addition of high-voltage electricity to support the nickel downstream industry in East Kalimantan.PLN and KFI have signed an Amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) for the Addition of High Voltage Consumer Power to increase the supply power from 100 mega volt ampere (MVA) to 300 MVA.PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said that PLN continues to support the downstream of the mineral sector through the provision of reliable and competitive electricity following the government's vision of boosting industrial downstream."Reliable electricity supply has a crucial role in supporting economic growth, including for the industrial segment. PLN is committed to supporting downstream efforts in line with the government's strategy to increase the added value of mining commodities," he said in a press release on Friday (15/3).General Manager of PLN East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan Distribution Unit Agung Murdifi said that the industrial customer segment in East Kalimantan continues to grow every year. For this reason, PLN continues to strive to improve a reliable electricity system to respond to existing growth trends."Providing the best service is our commitment to encourage business growth of business and industry players. Customers should focus on their business development and let PLN take care of the electricity. Besides KFI, there is also growth in electricity consumption for the needs of IKN Nusantara," he explained.Agung continued that the current economic growth in East Kalimantan is sufficient to supply the growing electricity demand. The current supply capacity of the East Kalimantan system is 768 MW with a peak load of 660 MW.The additional electricity for KFI is expected to continue to boost the economic growth of Bumi Etam, especially Kutai Kartanegara Regency. The PT KFI project is targeted to absorb at least 10 to 13 thousand local workers in the future.KFI Owner Representative Muhammad Ardhi Soemargo said that his team had previously agreed on a plan to gradually add power up to 800 MVA from PLN. "The PJBTL that we signed is to accelerate what we have committed," Ardhi said.Head of the Communication Bureau, Public Information Services and Cooperation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Agus Cahyono Adi said that refining facilities or smelters need to get support so that downstream can run well."One of the supports needed is the availability of electricity for smelters. With a reliable electricity supply, it is expected that the smelter will produce mineral derivatives by the predetermined target," he said. Image source: KataData / Harita NickelSource: https://katadata.co.id/berita/energi/65f3fd9604da0/pln-tambah-daya-listrik-pt-kfi-dukung-hilirisasi-nikel-di-kaltim 

Nickel prices have recorded a decline, although they have started to rise in the past month.According to Trading Economics, on Wednesday (13/3), nickel prices fell 20.07% on an annual basis. However, nickel prices have risen 14.49% in the past month to USD 18,325 per ton.Some nickel issuers are also concerned about this. One of them is PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk (NCKL) or Harita Nickel.Investor Relations of NCKL Lukito Gozali sees the volatility of nickel prices, which is influenced by these factors, such as global geopolitical tensions, increased production capacity, the dynamics of the electric vehicle (EV) market, and the global economic conditions.NCKL also sees this condition as a challenge and opportunity. Harita Nickel is optimistic that nickel prices will return to stability even strengthening in 2024-2025."Strengthening nickel prices is supported by estimates of global economic recovery and increased demand for nickel, especially from the electric vehicle battery industry and stainless steel production," he told Kontan on Wednesday (13/3).Based on NCKL calculations, the increase in electric car sales could reach 27 million units per year by 2026. On the other hand, there is a projected growth in global stainless steel production in the next few years."This gives us the confidence that demand for nickel, especially for electric vehicles and stainless steel, will continue to increase. We are also still investing in developing production capacity and operational efficiency," he explained.NCKL targets ferronickel production in 2024 of 120,000 tons of nickel content in ferronickel.The figure is achieved through two Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace (RKEF) smelters that are fully operational. They are PT Megah Surya Pertiwi (MSP), with an installed capacity of 25,000 tons of nickel content in ferronickel, and PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel (HJF), with an installed capacity of 95,000 tons of nickel content in ferronickel.Meanwhile, mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) products through PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPL) have an installed capacity of 55,000 tons of nickel content in MHP.MHP production will increase after the operation of PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (ONC), which has an installed capacity of 65,000 tons of nickel content in MHP."ONC production will be in the range of 20,000 tons - 30,000 tons, along with the operation of three MHP production lines, which will be carried out in stages throughout 2024," he said.Lukito explained that NCKL continues to focus on increasing the added value of nickel derivative products. Therefore, the company appreciates the government's commitment to downstream on Obi Island, which has now been designated, as a National Vital Object and National Strategic Project."We hope that government support and incentives will continue to encourage the growth of downstream and nickel industrialization," he explained.Image source: KONTAN / Ardian Taufik GesuriSource: https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/harga-nikel-tertekan-simak-strategi-trimegah-bangun-persada-nckl