Amman Mineral (AMMN) Spends USD 3.59 Million in Exploration Funds
Amman Mineral (AMMN) Spends USD 3.59 Million in Exploration Funds
10 Apr 2025, 03:45 PM 4376

PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN) reported that it had carried out exploration activities during the period from January 1 to March 31, 2025 (Q1 2025) located in the IUPK Block II Elang in Sumbawa, spending USD 3.59 million.Vemmy Febrianti, Corporate Secretary of AMMN, in a written statement submitted to the IDX on Thursday (10/44), revealed that exploration activities were carried out by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (PT AMNT), a subsidiary of AMMN, carrying out exploration activities in four Blocks II - Elang using the 4-rig core drilling method & rock core sample analysis from Elang.Meanwhile, Block I - Batu Hijau, Block III - Rinti and Block IV - Lampui have no exploration activities. In Block Elang, geological mapping & alteration mapping were carried out using ASD tools in East Sebu and this exploration resulted in resource drilling = 7 drill holes including those that have been completed or are still in progress (2,449.4 m); East Gate - Exploration drilling = 2 drill holes including those that have been completed or are still in progress (1,828.9 m).Meanwhile, in East Sebu, exploration drilling resulted in 1 completed drill hole (984.1 m) and a total of 4,013 rock core samples were sent to the lab.Vemmy added that the next plan is to continue resource drilling in Elang (1 rig) and continue exploration drilling in Gerbang Timur (1 rig) as well as IP geophysical surveys (19.65 km) in Sebu Timur & Elang Timur Laut. 

PT Timah (TINS) Seeks New Export Markets in Response to Anticipated Trump Tariffs
PT Timah (TINS) Seeks New Export Markets in Response to Anticipated Trump Tariffs
09 Apr 2025, 04:26 PM 4808

PT Timah Tbk. (TINS) is trying to expand its export market following the reciprocal tariff policy of United States (US) President Donald Trump towards its trading partners, including Indonesia, of 32%.TINS Corporate Secretary Rendi Kurniawan said there was a possibility of slowing demand from a number of buyers in the export market due to the US tariffs."There is indeed the potential for short-term demand adjustments due to global uncertainty, including from a tariff perspective," said Rendi when contacted, Wednesday (9/4/2025).However, Rendi said, the need for tin as a raw material for a number of strategic industries—such as electronics, automotive and renewable energy (EBT)—will remain strong in the medium to long term."For the United States itself, tin exports are in the range of 5% to 7% of total exports," said Rendi.Currently, he emphasized, the company is diversifying export markets and strengthening relations with export destination countries other than the US.This step was taken to reduce export dependence on certain countries and anticipate external risks that the company cannot control."Strengthening relations with export destination countries other than the US, including Asian countries, Europe and other regions," he said.Global tin metal prices fluctuated throughout 2024 amid macroeconomic uncertainty and supply developments in the market.The average price of tin metal Cash Settlement Price London Metal Exchange (LME) in 2024 was USD 30,177.45/ton or up 16.3% compared to the previous year of USD 25,959.04/ton.Meanwhile, the tin price projection according to Bloomberg is in the range of USD 28,000 per ton to USD 31,000 per ton.Tin inventory in LME warehouses at the end of December 2024 was at 4,800 tons, down 35.6% from the beginning of 2024 (January 5, 2024) at 7,450 tons.Based on the CRU Tin Monitor (February 2025), global tin metal production growth in 2024 is estimated to increase by 1.4% annually or  year on year (yoy) to 371,880 tons.On the other hand, global tin metal consumption in 2024 is estimated to decline by 2.6% annually to 372,720 tons.Financial performanceTINS posted revenues of IDR 10.86 trillion throughout 2024, an increase of 29.37% compared to the 2023 achievement of IDR 8.39 trillion.The company's cost of revenue increased by 1.26% from IDR7.93 trillion in 2023 to IDR8.03 trillion in 2024. The company posted an operating profit of IDR1.76 trillion with an EBITDA achievement of IDR2.71 trillion or 396% from 2023.TINS Finance and Risk Management Director Fina Eliani said the company managed to record a net profit of IDR 1.19 trillion amidst the current global economic uncertainty.Meanwhile, the net profit figure jumped 364% compared to the 2023 performance record which was minus or a net loss of IDR 449.67 billion."Amidst the less than supportive macroeconomic conditions and global tin metal supply, the company managed to achieve brilliant performance in 2024," said Fina in an official statement quoted on Wednesday (9/4/2025).Until the end of 2024, TINS ​​Quick Ratio was 73.2%, Current Ratio was 222.0%, Debt to Asset Ratio was 41.8%, and Debt to Equity Ratio was 71.8%.On the other hand, TINS ​​recorded tin ore production of 19,437 tons of Sn at the end of 2024, up 31% compared to the previous year which reached 14,855 tons of Sn.Production at that time was driven by an increase in the number of land mining units, productivity of offshore mining objects, and optimization of excavation direction by conducting pilot drilling on the work plan block.Meanwhile, tin metal production rose 23% to 18,915 metric tons compared to the previous year of 15,340 metric tons.Meanwhile, tin metal sales rose 22% to 17,507 tons compared to the previous year of 14,385 tons. The average selling price of tin metal was USD31,181 per ton, up 17% compared to the previous year of USD26,583 per ton.In 2024, TINS ​​recorded domestic tin metal sales of 12% and tin metal exports of 88% with the top 6 export destination countries including South Korea 19%; Singapore 18%; Japan 15%; Netherlands 12%; India 10%; and China 7%

ESDM Announces Nickel Royalty Increase to a Maximum of 19%
ESDM Announces Nickel Royalty Increase to a Maximum of 19%
09 Apr 2025, 04:19 PM 7983

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) said that changes to royalty rates in the mineral and coal sector will come into effect in the second week of April 2025. This is done as an effort to increase state revenue from the mining sector.Director General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) Tri Winarno said that the mineral royalty rate will be progressive. Thus, the rate will increase along with the increase in commodity prices in the global market.Meanwhile, for nickel ore itself, the royalty rate is proposed to increase from the current 10% to a progressive rate of 14% to 19%, adjusted to the price."The royalty rate is progressive. This means that when the price goes up, the rate also goes up. That's clear. So you get a lot of profit, the state should also get a lot. The price goes up, goes up. The price goes down, goes down," said Tri at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Jakarta, Wednesday (9/4/2025).Previously, ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that the increase in royalty rates for a number of mineral commodities, including nickel and gold, would come into effect in the second week of April 2025."For royalties, for several commodities, including nickel, gold, the PP (Government Regulation) has been completed and will be effective in the near future. It will be effective this month. That month, maybe the second week. It will be effective," said Bahlil at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Jakarta, Wednesday (9/4/2025).According to Bahlil, the government itself has conducted socialization for the implementation of the new royalty scheme. The latest royalty scheme will later use a range system that depends on the price of mineral commodities in the global market."If the price of nickel or gold goes up, there is a certain range. But if it doesn't go up, it doesn't go up either. There is a table. If the price goes up, the company automatically makes a profit. Then, if it makes a profit, the country doesn't get a share. We want win-win. We want the entrepreneurs to be good, and the country to be good too," he added.Some time ago, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI), Meidy Katrin Lengkey said that if the nickel ore royalty rate were to be increased to 14-19%, Indonesia would have the highest royalty rate compared to other nickel producing countries."Indonesia is currently at 10%, we are the highest for PNBP royalties compared to nickel producing countries. Because other nickel producing countries have royalties of an average of 2 to 7 or 9%. It is very far and there are even countries whose royalties are base profit", said Meidy at the CNBC Indonesia Mining Zone event, quoted Wednesday (3/26/2025).According to Meidy, being at the 10% level alone has made Indonesia the highest country in terms of the amount of royalty imposed. Moreover, if it is raised to the 14-19% level, it will make business actors even more burdened."At 10% alone, we are already the highest country for royalty placement. But if for example it is added with a royalty of 14 to 19%, 14% is the minimum limit for the Reference Mineral Price (HMA) of 18,000. The question is when will the HMA be 18,000? Because the current condition is that the price is decreasing," he said.So, how much is the planned increase in mining royalty rates? Here is a leak from the proposed revision document for mining royalties received by CNBC Indonesia:Coal:Currently, progressive tariffs apply according to the Reference Coal Price (HBA) and the PNBP IUPK tariff of 14%-28%. In the revised regulation, the royalty tariff is planned to increase by 1% for HBA more than or equal to USD 90 per ton to a maximum tariff of 13.5%. Then, the IUPK tariff is 14%-28% with changes in the tariff range (Revised PP no. 15/2022).Nickel:Nickel ore: Currently, a single nickel ore tariff of 10% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty rate is planned to be progressive at 14%-19%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 40%-90% of the current tariff.Nickel matte: Currently, a single nickel matte tariff of 2% and windfall profit plus 1% is applicable. In the revised regulation, the royalty rate is planned to be progressive at 4.5%-6.5% and windfall profit is removed. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 125%-225% of the current tariff.Ferro nickel: Currently, a single tariff of 2% for ferro nickel is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty rate is planned to be progressive at 5%-7%. So the rate increase will be around 150%-250% of the current tariff.Nickel pig iron (NPI): Currently, a single nickel pig iron (NPI) tariff of 5% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty tariff is planned to be progressive at 5%-7%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 0%-40% of the current tariff.Copper:Copper ore: Currently, a single copper ore tariff of 5% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty rate is planned to be progressive at 10%-17%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 100%-240% of the current tariff.Copper concentrate: Currently, a single copper concentrate tariff of 4% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty tariff is planned to be progressive at 7%-10%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 100%-250% of the current tariff.Copper cathode: Currently, a single copper cathode tariff of 2% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the royalty tariff is planned to be progressive at 4%-7%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 100%-250% of the current tariff.Gold:Currently, progressive rates are in effect starting from 3.75%-10%. In the revised rules, the royalty rate is planned to be progressive starting from 7%-16%.Silver:Currently, a single rate of 3.25% is in effect. In the revised rules, the plan is for a single royalty rate of 5%.Platinum:Currently, a single rate of 2% is in effect. In the revised rules, the plan is for a single royalty rate of 3.75%.Tin:Tin metal: Currently a single tariff of 3% is in effect. In the revised regulation, the tariff is planned to be progressive starting from 3%-10%. So the amount of the tariff increase is around 0%-233% of the current tariff.

Vale Prepares to Integrate 30,000 Workers from Three Smelters
Vale Prepares to Integrate 30,000 Workers from Three Smelters
09 Apr 2025, 03:49 PM 4503

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) targets to complete three nickel processing and refining (smelter) projects in 2026-2027. With the operation of the project, the company can absorb as many as 30,000 new workers.The three projects include a nickel smelter project using High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) technology in Pomalaa, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, in collaboration with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co and Ford Motor Co. This smelter will produce 120 thousand tons per year of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP).Second, the nickel smelter project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, in collaboration with Shandong Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd (Xinhai). Third, the HPAL smelter project in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, also in collaboration with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co.Vale Indonesia President Director Febriany Eddy said that her party will continue to prioritize the absorption of Indonesian workers, which to date has reached 5 thousand workers and is estimated to reach 12 thousand workers by the end of 2025."When all three projects are completed, it will require around 30 thousand workers. This is the direct workforce," he told CNBC Indonesia in the Mining Zone program, quoted on Wednesday (9/4/2025).Febriany assessed that the absorption of labor will have a direct impact on the company's operational and production activities. Not only about the absorption of labor, Vale also prioritizes local social development, especially in the Sulawesi region in the long term, which is considered to have a positive effect on the community."Then there is also our social program, our community development where here we emphasize the principle of three pillars. Where companies, communities, and the government together build a master plan for a long-term community development program," he added.Thus, the large absorption of labor for the three smelters currently being built by the company is believed to be able to encourage a good future for Indonesia."Well, if we can do all of this, I think the benefits will be very good for Indonesia in the future. Not only for today, but also for the future of Indonesia," he said.

Indonesian Company Secures IDR 601 Billion Sales Contract, Tapping into Vietnam Coal Market Potentia...
Indonesian Company Secures IDR 601 Billion Sales Contract, Tapping into Vietnam Coal Market Potentia...
08 Apr 2025, 04:30 PM 3855

Who says the world coal market has started to fade? The proof is, Hineni Seven Resources DMCC, a subsidiary of PT Sumber Global Energy (SGER) Tbk, has signed a new coal sales contract with a Vietnamese company worth USD 35.7 million or around IDR 601 billion.Quoted from the information disclosure of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), Hineni Seven Resources DMCC as the seller, has signed a coal sale and purchase agreement with VIMC Shipping Company, on Tuesday, March 26, 2025. The volume of this coal sale and purchase contract reached 500,000 metric tons (MT), worth USD 35.7 million.This development shows that market confidence in SGER as the parent company of Hineni Seven Resources DMCC is strengthening. So it is natural that the company founded on March 17, 2008, will be increasingly profitable throughout 2025.This year, SGER's coal sales are quite impressive. The figure reached IDR 14 trillion. The export market of the coal trading company founded in 2008 has expanded to China, Malaysia, India, the Philippines and Bangladesh.SGER's President Director, Welly Thomas, admitted that there was an extraordinary leap in 2024. "In 2020 after we were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, our turnover continued to increase until last year, we reached IDR 14 trillion," said Welly at Graha BIP, South Jakarta, as quoted on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.Based on the financial report for the third quarter of 2024, SGER's revenue reached IDR 10.88 trillion, or an increase of 14.30 percent compared to the third quarter of 2023 of IDR 9.52 trillion.The increase in revenue in the nine months of 2024 was driven by an increase in coal and nickel sales. Consisting of coal sales of IDR 10.65 trillion, or an increase of 12.84 percent annually (year on year/yoy).Meanwhile, SGER's nickel sales also shot up 211.96 percent to IDR 228.52 billion compared to Q3-2023 of IDR 73.25 billion.Welly is still optimistic that coal is still needed as one of the energy sources both in Indonesia and abroad. Indonesia in particular will still need coal for the next 15-20 years. Because, coal is the cheapest energy source to date."This (coal) is the cheapest source of electricity and many geopolitical situations will support the use of coal. For example, the United States will compete with China. Where, America continues to support the use of coal," said Welly.Regarding coal reserves in Indonesia, Welly said, it is still very large. For that, SGER is committed to making a real contribution.In addition, the company wants to be part of the development of green business with sustainable alternative energy sources, as well as building a sustainable business."PT SGER always tries to anticipate and take the potential or opportunities of green energy. We decided to be more proactive, enter early so that we have good fundamentals in this field. So that we have superior competence in the green energy industry such as in the coal industry," concluded Welly.

Petrosea Signs IDR 16 Trillion Mining Service Agreement with Vale Indonesia
Petrosea Signs IDR 16 Trillion Mining Service Agreement with Vale Indonesia
08 Apr 2025, 04:07 PM 4104

PT Petrosea Tbk has announced the signing of a major contract with PT Vale Indonesia Tbk for the provision of mining and transportation services for nickel ore in the Bahodopi area, Central Sulawesi. The contract value is estimated to reach IDR 16 trillion with a duration of 10 years.This contract was signed on 8 April 2025 and includes Mining Services and Transportation of Nickel Ore Material for the Bahodopi Block 2 and 3 owned by Vale Indonesia. Under this agreement, Petrosea will act as the main contractor responsible for the entire mining process and material logistics.Petrosea’s management agreed that this agreement was part of the company’s long-term strategy to expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in the national mining industry. This new contract is also expected to boost the company’s financial and operational performance over the coming years."This contract is a major milestone in our journey to continue creating added value and expanding Petrosea's services," read the official statement.Petrosea offers various pit-to-port project services, including open pit contract mining services, civil & infrastructure construction, mining project management services, technical & feasibility study consulting services, mine planning & optimization services and its Minerva Digital Platform solution that leverages the latest digital technologies to increase efficiency and productivity, as well as be applied at each mineral and coal mining operation. Petrosea also has the capability to monitor and control operational activities at multiple sites by utilizing real-time data through its Remote Operations Center which is located at the Company’s headquarters.

PT Ceria Smelter Enters Final Stage, FeNi Commercial Production Targeted for End of April
PT Ceria Smelter Enters Final Stage, FeNi Commercial Production Targeted for End of April
08 Apr 2025, 10:35 AM 5627

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 MiningNot 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 IndustryIn 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.

Merdeka Copper (MDKA) Update on Pani and Tujuh Bukit Gold Projects
Merdeka Copper (MDKA) Update on Pani and Tujuh Bukit Gold Projects
07 Apr 2025, 10:44 AM 7389

PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk ( MDKA ) provides updates on the Pani gold project and Tujuh Bukit Mine. Pani gold construction has reached 33% by the end of 2024.First gold pouring is targeted for early 2026. The Pani gold project is projected to be one of the largest primary gold mines in Indonesia, with a peak production target of around 500,000 ounces of gold per year.On the other hand, the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project is claimed to have made significant progress with the updated indicated power estimate showing a significant increase compared to the previous estimate.MDKA plans to release an updated pre-feasibility study in the second quarter of 2025, which will include improved project economic projections as well as expanded production capacity.Merdeka Copper President Director Albert Saputro said that the company managed to record solid growth across all main business lines, supported by progress in various strategic projects."Merdeka remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving sustainable and profitable growth. With several important milestones awaiting in 2025 and beyond, we are optimistic about achieving continued success," he said in an official statement, Monday (7/4/2025).On the performance side, MDKA reported consolidated revenue of USD 2.24 billion in 2024, up 31% year-on-year (YoY). The company's EBITDA increased to USD 329 million or grew 36% compared to the previous year.MDKA's growth is supported by the performance of its subsidiary in the nickel sector, namely PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (MBMA) and is supported by gold prices that remain high.MDKA achieved substantial growth through MBMA nickel operations driven by significant performance improvement at PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral Mine (SCM Mine), where production surged to 10.1 million wet metric tons (wmt) of limonite, marking a 150% year-on-year surge, and 4.9 million wmt of saprolite, up 110% from the previous year.The MBMA smelter also increased nickel production and produced 82,161 tonnes of nickel pig iron (NPI), an increase of 26%, and 50,315 tonnes of high-grade nickel matte (HGNM), an increase of 66% compared to 2023.One of the important milestones in Merdeka's nickel business strategy was achieved through PT ESG New Energy Material (ESG), a joint venture of the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) plant between MBMA and GEM Co., Ltd.In February 2025, PT ESG successfully obtained an Industrial Business License (IUI), which was then followed by the initial commercial sale of 8,500 metric tons of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) in March 2025."This achievement marks a significant step in Merdeka's nickel downstream expansion. The next MHP shipment is scheduled to take place throughout 2025," he explained.MDKA also noted progress in the development of the Acid Iron Metal (AIM) Plant operated by PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI). The commissioning process of key components such as the Pyrite Plant and Acid Plant has been successfully completed.Meanwhile, the commissioning of the Chloride Plant and Copper Cathode Plant is progressing smoothly, with the Chloride plant successfully producing its first copper sponge in January 2025.

United Tractors (UNTR) Gold & Nickel Sales Soar at the Start of the Year
United Tractors (UNTR) Gold & Nickel Sales Soar at the Start of the Year
05 Apr 2025, 10:52 AM 3664

Astra Group mining issuer, PT United Tractors Tbk. (UNTR) recorded an increase in annual  gold and nickel sales volume throughout January-February 2025.In UNTR's monthly report, UNTR management explained that the company's gold sales volume through Agincourt Resources and Sumbawa Jutaraya reached 37,770 GEOs ( gold equivalent ounces ) during the January-February 2025 period.On a monthly basis, UNTR's gold sales volume in February 2025 jumped from 18,000 GEOs in January 2025 to 20,000 GEOs in February this year.UNTR also recorded nickel sales reaching 360,589 wet metric tons throughout January-February 2025. These sales consisted of 98,000 wmt saprolite and 263,000 wmt limonite.Meanwhile, on an annual basis, UNTR's nickel sales rose 121.16% to 260,589 wmt in the first two months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024 of 163,043 wmt.UNTR President Director Frans Kesuma said in his annual report that gold prices continued to rise and reached their highest level in history at USD 2,690 per troy ounce in October 2024.By the end of the year, the price of gold closed at USD 2,648 per troy ounce in December 2024, up 30.2% compared to the price in January 2024 of USD 2,034."The increase in gold prices was triggered by geopolitical tensions, continued demand from central banks, US monetary easing by lowering interest rates which weakened the dollar and lowered US bond yields," said Frans.On the other hand, he continued, nickel prices did not show significant movement with an average price of USD 16,814 per ton in 2024. Nickel prices had touched a high of USD 19,587 per ton in May 2024, but then fell again.Throughout 2024, nickel prices fell by 4.1%, from US$16,104 per ton in January 2024 to USD 15,445 per ton in December 2024."Nickel mining production and production from Indonesian nickel smelters have increased very high, causing oversupply and impacting on falling prices," he said.

Wood Mackenzie Predicts Copper Investment Trends Will Focus on Increasing Production
Wood Mackenzie Predicts Copper Investment Trends Will Focus on Increasing Production
04 Apr 2025, 10:48 AM 3979

Analysts assess that the global investment trend in the copper mining sector will focus on increasing production in producing countries.This is inseparable from copper mines in producing countries that continue to age without new mines to replace them. Therefore, greenfield copper projects or mining in locations that have never been explored are considered promising.Referring to the latest Wood Mackenzie analysis shows a significant shift in capital allocation strategies in the copper mining sector. According to the analysis, the shift in investment trends in increasing copper production is driven by three factors.First, increasing non-discretionary capital expenditure requirements. Second, the continued need for a strong balance sheet to weather potential market volatility. Third, a growing focus on copper for growth and diversification strategies.The analysis highlights that share buybacks are becoming less attractive at current valuations. In fact, 2024 turns out to be the low point for buyback volumes among large mining companies, with notional returns dropping to negative levels for many companies.James Whiteside, Wood Mackenzie's Corporate Head of Metals and Mining, said share buybacks were no longer attractive. Instead, a shift to production growth was more promising."Diversified companies seeking relevance through big payouts are not being rewarded, but according to copper miners, investing in production growth is paying off," Whiteside said in a statement quoted Friday (4/4/2025).Greenfield copper projects are starting to offer the most attractive returns for capital investment, he said. However, not every mining company has a growth opportunity path.Wood Mackenzie estimates that major copper companies will accelerate their reinvestment efforts over the next three years, in aggregate exceeding 100% of their operating cash flow.Whiteside added that for some companies, embracing growth-oriented risk is now the optimal strategy."Our analysis shows that growth in the right commodities is profitable, while higher variable payouts are not beneficial for companies struggling for relevance," he said.Moreover, demand for copper from electrification is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The high demand has also caused copper prices to reach an all-time high in May 2024, above USD 5 per pound.Whiteside concluded that mining companies are entering a new era of capital discipline. The market response to this different approach will influence the long-term capital allocation decisions of large mining companies."Companies that can effectively balance growth investments with shareholder returns will likely emerge as winners in this changing landscape," he said.

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