Smelter Merah Putih: The Environmentally Friendly Nickel Mine About to Start Operations
Smelter Merah Putih: The Environmentally Friendly Nickel Mine About to Start Operations
24 Jan 2025, 10:33 AM 4235

One of the nickel mining industries, the Smelter Merah Putih, will soon begin operations in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The nickel mining operated by PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Group) is supported by clean energy sourced from the State Electricity Company (PLN)."The Smelter Merah Putih is ready to produce green nickel products that will be absorbed by the global market," said Deputy President Director and Director of Corporate Affairs of Ceria Group, Djen Riza, in a written statement on Friday, January 24, 2025.The Smelter Merah Putih is a National Strategic Project (PSN) and a National Vital Object (Obvitnas). Currently, Ceria Group, which is a domestic investment company (PMDN), is in the final stages of developing a nickel ore processing technology called the Rectangular Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF), as well as preparing for the construction of the High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) facility."This Smelter Merah Putih is Ceria’s commitment to implementing the government's downstream program. It is expected to add value as mandated in the 5th and 6th Asta Cita of President Prabowo Subianto, which are to continue the downstream program and promote growth, economic equality, and the eradication of poverty," he said.The Secretary of the Regional Government (Sekda) of Southeast Sulawesi, Asrun Lio, stated that the progress of the Smelter Merah Putih National Strategic Project (PSN) has been very significant. He is optimistic that Ceria's RKEF smelter will be fully operational by April 2025."We are grateful for Ceria Group’s contribution because thousands of people from various ethnic groups across Indonesia are now working at the smelter," said Asrun during his visit to the Smelter Merah Putih Ceria Nugraha Indotama’s PSN progress in Wolo District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday, January 23, 2025.According to data from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) Southeast Sulawesi Representative, the construction of the Smelter PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama has reached 97.05%. This project has been under development since 2019.The achievement of the target is measured based on 13 indicators. Some of these include project preparation, land provision, spatial planning, project financing, government guarantees, licensing/non-licensing, prioritization of domestic components, physical construction, project supervision and control, project regulations, job creation, and utilization.Using Clean EnergyAsrun appreciated the use of clean energy by Ceria Group’s smelter, sourced from the Bakaru Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) within PLN’s transmission network. The hydroelectric plant has received a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC).He also directly witnessed the presence of the Floating Power Plant or Barge Mounted Power Plant (BMPP) with a capacity of 2 x 60 MW, which has been docked at the Wolo Special Terminal. This BMPP is already connected to the PLN Kolaka network to ensure the reliability and stability of the Ceria Group smelter’s electricity supply.The Acting Regent of Kolaka, Muh Fadliansyah, commended Ceria for utilizing 100% local labor. "Ceria has made a significant contribution to Kolaka Regency. In fact, now all the people in Wolo have been absorbed as workers in the company," he said.

Harum Energy’s Expansion Plan (HRUM), Allocating USD 400 Million in Capex for 2025
Harum Energy’s Expansion Plan (HRUM), Allocating USD 400 Million in Capex for 2025
23 Jan 2025, 10:32 AM 7143

PT Harum Energy Tbk (HRUM) is accelerating its expansion in the nickel business. HRUM has set aside a large capital expenditure (capex) budget to develop mining projects and downstream industries.Harum Energy’s Corporate Secretary, Renny Soependi, revealed that in 2025, HRUM has allocated approximately USD 400 million for capex. Just as a reference, that amount is equivalent to IDR 6.51 trillion when converted at the Jisdor exchange rate on Thursday (January 23), which was IDR 16,276 per US dollar.Renny revealed that the majority of the capex will be used for the development of nickel ore mining operations at its subsidiary, PT Position. HRUM is also prioritizing the completion of the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) project at PT Blue Sparking Energy (BSE).Last year, most of HRUM's capex was also allocated to the development of the nickel business unit. By the end of 2024, Renny estimates that HRUM will have absorbed around USD 500 million in capex. This amount includes down payments for the purchase of fixed assets.In line with the aggressive expansion, the nickel business has become a key driver of HRUM's performance. By the end of the first nine months of 2024, the majority of HRUM's consolidated revenue already came from its nickel business unit."The contribution of revenue and profit from the nickel business unit is expected to continue growing in the coming years, in line with the increase in the company's nickel production volume," said Renny on Thursday (January 23).HRUM is targeting an increase in nickel production in 2025. However, Renny did not provide specific details regarding HRUM's production target volume. She only mentioned that the increase in nickel production will be supported by HRUM’s second smelter through PT Westrong Metal Industry (WMI), which will be fully operational.HRUM is also increasing the utilization of its smelter production capacity, as well as boosting nickel ore production from the PT Position mine to make HRUM’s production more integrated. At the same time, HRUM is focused on driving the HPAL project at BSE to proceed according to plan, with contributions expected to start early next year.The progress of the HPAL project is currently over 50%. "For the nickel business unit, we will strive to improve operational efficiency in the ongoing projects, given the challenging commodity market conditions expected this year," explained Renny.As for the coal business, Renny emphasized that HRUM has no plans to acquire new assets in this segment. HRUM will focus on managing and developing its existing assets.HRUM is also maintaining its coal production volume at an optimal level to keep production costs under control. "The company is targeting a slightly lower production volume compared to last year, in line with the new mining plan to better control production costs," said Renny.On the stock movement side, HRUM closed trading on Friday (January 24) with a 4.21% decline, reaching IDR 910 per share.

PBNU Targets First Coal Production Mid-2025
PBNU Targets First Coal Production Mid-2025
23 Jan 2025, 10:29 AM 3700

The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) is targeting coal production from the former mining area of the company holding the Coal Mining Business Agreement (PKP2B) of the Bakrie Group, PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), to commence in the middle of this year.PBNU Chairman Ulil Abshar Abdalla stated that they are currently in the early production stage. It is expected that by mid-2025, or at the latest by the end of 2025, the former PKP2B land will begin producing."We are currently in the process of moving towards initial production. God willing, by mid to the end of the year, we will start production. But this year, God willing, we are optimistic and we should be able to produce," said Ulil when he was interviewed by Kontan at the Indonesian Parliament Building in Jakarta, Wednesday (January 22).To develop the mine, Ulil said that they have partnered with a national private company as an investor."We now have a Limited Liability Company (PT), a State-Owned Enterprise of NU, whose shares are owned by a cooperative, but there are also other shareholders. We are collaborating with investors from other parties, actually domestic ones, and they are already on board," he said.Unfortunately, Ulil could not disclose which private company has partnered with NU to develop the former PKP2B mine."We are working with domestic private companies. And now, we just need to follow the process because there are some very strict requirements that we need to fulfill," he added.Despite this, Ulil mentioned that they are still facing challenges related to the Compensation Data Information (KDI), which is paid to obtain data and information regarding mining."This is a large financial contribution that we need to pay to the government, and we are currently negotiating it because the amount is substantial. If possible, we would like to pay it in installments," he explained.For your information, NU is the first religious organization to receive former PKP2B mining land from the government. The former PKP2B land granted to NU is the former KPC mining area covering 26,000 hectares.PT KPC is one of the coal mining entities of PT Bumi Resources Tbk. (BUMI), a publicly listed company owned by the Bakrie Group, which is now jointly controlled with the Salim Group.

Indonesia Joins BRICS: Major Advantages for the Indonesian Mining Industry
Indonesia Joins BRICS: Major Advantages for the Indonesian Mining Industry
21 Jan 2025, 05:05 PM 3285

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The State-Owned Mining Industry Holding MIND ID revealed a number of benefits to the domestic mining sector after Indonesia entered the economic cooperation organization between Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS).MIND ID Portfolio and Business Development Director Dilo Seno Widagdo said that one of the things that Indonesia could benefit from by joining the organization was opening up potential for cooperation with other BRICS members. "So we don't, in my opinion, have to specifically talk about it in the context of the BRICS organization. But how can we build trade relations with China, how can we build trade relations with India. How can we open trade relations with Brazil," he explained on the sidelines of the MINDialogue Downstream and Industrialization Key Strategy Towards Golden Indonesia 2045, quoted Friday (10/1/2025). "Well, that might be more important, well, these countries are creating a form of transaction with a foreign exchange model that is less dependent on the US$, right? Well, that's actually us, we are open to it if we really have to be able to have a more general transaction," he said. However, Dilo emphasized that Indonesia remains open to collaborating with anyone, even with countries outside of BRICS members. He hopes that BRICS itself will not limit Indonesia from being able to export to any country."Well, in this context, we actually have to maintain our export orientation to China and our export orientation to India. So, I don't think we necessarily have to join BRICS, but we open up relations as widely as possible with anyone. Don't limit it," he emphasized.As is known, the announcement of Indonesia's acceptance into BRICS was delivered by the current holder of the BRICS Presidency, namely Brazil. BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. With the joining of Indonesia, BRICS has 11 members, namely Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the current BRICS partners are Turkey, Algeria, Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria and Uganda.(pgr/pgr)

ANTAM (ANTM) Spends IDR 271.49 Billion on Exploration in 2024
ANTAM (ANTM) Spends IDR 271.49 Billion on Exploration in 2024
21 Jan 2025, 05:01 PM 3194

KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. PT Aneka Tambang Tbk ( ANTM ) revealed that exploration activities spent Rp271.49 billion throughout 2024. The exploration activities focused on gold, nickel and bauxite commodities.Antam Corporate Secretary , Syarif Faisal Alkadrie said that exploration activities were carried out to ensure the adequacy of ANTM's strategic mineral resources and reserves. Gold ExplorationHe said that until December 31, 2024, ANTAM's gold exploration activities will be carried out in Pongkor, West Java."In the Pongkor area, the activities carried out focus on drilling activities consisting of in mine drilling (underground) and deep drilling (surface)," said Syarif in his official statement, Friday (10/1).Also Read: Antam Launches Thematic Gold Edition of the Year of the Wooden Snake to Welcome Chinese New Year 2025 Nickel ExplorationThen, ANTAM's nickel exploration until December 31, 2024 will be carried out in the North Konawe and Pomalaa areas, Southeast Sulawesi and Buli, North Maluku.For activities in North Konawe, explorations carried out include geological mapping, core sampling, core logging, grid & re-measurement measurements, installation of predrill and postdrill stakes, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) geophysical measurements, single tube drilling, and laboratory preparation and analysis.Meanwhile, in the Pomalaa area, activities carried out include geological mapping, core sampling, core logging, grid & re-measurement measurements, installation of measuring stakes, resistivity geophysical measurements, single tube drilling, as well as preparation and laboratory activities.As for exploration in the Buli area, activities carried out include geological mapping, core sampling, core logging, grid measurement & re-measurement, installation of measuring stakes, single tube drilling, sample preparation & analysis, facility construction, and evaluation & reporting. Bauxite ExplorationSyarif also said that ANTAM's bauxite exploration until December 31, 2024 will be carried out in the Tayan and Landak areas, West Kalimantan.In the Tayan area, the activities carried out are geological mapping, grid/polygon measurements, geodetic GPS measurements, testpits, testpit logging, testpit sampling and rock sampling. For the Landak area, the activities carried out are test well sampling, Specific Gravity Crude measurements and polygon/trajectory measurements.ANTM through the Geomin Unit carries out integrated mineral exploration activities which include area survey activities, geological exploration, geophysical exploration, geodetic surveys, drilling, physical and chemical analysis testing, calculation of mineral reserves and resources supported by an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS).

Supporting Mineral Downstreaming, ANTAM Focuses on Advancing Strategic Projects in 2025
Supporting Mineral Downstreaming, ANTAM Focuses on Advancing Strategic Projects in 2025
21 Jan 2025, 10:36 AM 4335

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) or ANTAM has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting mineral downstreaming by continuing two major strategic projects in 2025: the development of the electric vehicle battery ecosystem (EV Battery) and the Mempawah Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) project.ANTAM’s Corporate Secretary, Syarif Faisal Alkadrie, stated that these two projects aim to increase the added value of the nickel and bauxite commodities managed by the company, in line with efforts to support the national downstreaming program."In 2025, ANTAM will focus on completing key milestones for the EV Battery and SGAR Mempawah projects, which are part of our commitment as a state-owned enterprise in supporting the added value of Indonesia's minerals," said Faisal in Jakarta.In the electric vehicle battery ecosystem development project, ANTAM has achieved several significant milestones as of September 2024, including licensing, funding preparation, and preliminary work. This progress serves as an important foundation for entering the construction phase, as per the target."This year, we will continue to pursue the next milestones to ensure that the nickel downstreaming projects are executed optimally. Additionally, the synergy with subsidiaries such as PT Gag Nikel and the purchase of 30% of PT Jiu Long Metal Industry’s shares in October 2024 also supports the development of the national EV Battery ecosystem," explained Faisal.Through this synergy, ANTAM is optimistic that it can accelerate the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia, while also strengthening the company's position in the global mineral industry.Regarding bauxite commodities, ANTAM continues the development of the SGAR Mempawah project managed through PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (PT BAI), a collaboration with Inalum. This project entered a crucial phase in September 2024 with the start of the first bauxite injection, marking the beginning of the commissioning stage."Our current focus is on optimizing the project to ensure the next targets can be met as planned. The SGAR Mempawah will begin commercial operations in the first semester of 2025 and will play an important role in strengthening the national aluminum supply chain," added Faisal.With the continuation of this project, ANTAM is not only supporting bauxite downstreaming but also ensuring a significant contribution to the mineral supply chain in Indonesia.Through these two strategic projects, ANTAM hopes to make an optimal contribution to the country, especially in supporting the 100-day work spirit of President Prabowo Subianto's administration."Our commitment to mineral downstreaming will increase the added value of nickel and bauxite commodities, while also supporting Indonesia's sustainable economic growth," concluded Faisal.By focusing on innovation and strategic synergies, ANTAM is optimistic it can meet global challenges while leveraging the vast potential of the national mining sector for the welfare of the nation.

Bukit Asam (PTBA) Focuses on Accelerating Coal Downstream Projects This Year
Bukit Asam (PTBA) Focuses on Accelerating Coal Downstream Projects This Year
21 Jan 2025, 10:35 AM 4643

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Group, is ramping up its coal downstream projects in 2025. Several coal downstream projects are currently being developed by PTBA.Through collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), PTBA has started a pilot project to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets for battery raw materials, particularly for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.The Director of Business Development at PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Rafli Yandra, said that the development of artificial graphite and anode sheets could become an important breakthrough in coal downstream processing. In addition, it will also support the advancement of the domestic electric vehicle industry.Another coal downstream product currently being developed by PTBA is humic acid. The research and development of low-calorie coal into humic acid is being conducted by PTBA in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM).The launch of the humic acid prototype was carried out at the Mining Business License (IUP) area in Peranap, Indragiri Hulu, Riau, on December 12, 2024. This prototype will then be developed toward a pilot project."Downstreaming coal into humic acid supports the Asta Cita program in terms of food self-sufficiency, which is currently a priority for the government. We hope that this innovation will eventually benefit the improvement of community welfare," said Rafli in a press statement on Tuesday (January 21).PTBA is also diversifying its business into new and renewable energy (EBT). PTBA has several former mining sites that are being explored for the development of solar power plants (PLTS).Among these are the post-mining lands in Ombilin (West Sumatra) and Tanjung Enim (South Sumatra). The potential for solar power plants on these post-mining lands is estimated to reach 200 Megawatt-peak (MWp).So far, the company has built a solar power plant at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in collaboration with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero), which has been fully operational since October 2020. This solar power plant has a maximum capacity of 241 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is installed at the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) building.Not only with Angkasa Pura II, PTBA has also partnered with Jasa Marga Group for the development of solar power plants (PLTS) on toll roads. A 400 kWp solar power plant on the Bali-Mandara Toll Road has been completed and was officially launched on September 21, 2022.The company has also collaborated with PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) in the construction of a 23.07 kWp solar power plant, which reached its Commercial Operation Date (COD) in June 2023.

Petrosea and Vale Enter IDR 16 Trillion Contract for Nickel Mining in Morowali
Petrosea and Vale Enter IDR 16 Trillion Contract for Nickel Mining in Morowali
18 Jan 2025, 11:12 AM 5969

PT Petrosea Tbk to Manage Nickel Mining in the Bahodopi Blocks 2 and 3 Areas, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. The areas are part of the concession area of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO).PT Petrosea Tbk is known to have won the mining services contract for the Bahodopi Blocks 2 and 3 areas through a tender process.The value of the mining services contract is estimated to reach USD 1 billion or approximately IDR 16 trillion, with a duration of 10 years.The scope of work includes overburden removal services, nickel ore mining and transportation, as well as the construction of infrastructure related to mining services.It is known that INCO is now part of the state-owned mining holding, MIND ID.Together with PT Vale Canada Limited, MIND ID controls INCO with a 34 percent ownership stake.PT Petrosea Tbk is a subsidiary of the business conglomerate owned by Prajogo Pangestu, which controls PTRO through PT Petrindo Jaya Kreasi Tbk.Petrosea and Vale previously collaborated to accelerate the development of the nickel mining project in the Pomalaa Block, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.The two companies have held a series of First Cut ceremonies in the Mining IGP Pomalaa area, starting on Friday, October 4, 2024.Petrosea has been entrusted with completing the work at the IGP Pomalaa Site until March 2026.INCO is targeting a loan of USD 1.2 billion for the development project of the mine.According to INCO’s data, the mine development project in Bahodopi is expected to be completed by Q4/2025, with an additional production capacity of 3.84 million tons of saprolite per year.The capital expenditure for the project is USD 399 million.Additionally, INCO is pursuing the development of a new mining block in Pomalaa, with an expected annual production increase of 28.15 million tons of saprolite and limonite.The capital expenditure for this new mining block is USD 1 billion, and it is expected to begin operations in Q2/2026.The new mining project in Pomalaa is 22% complete.Meanwhile, the new mining block in Sorowako has an investment of around USD 257 million, with an expected additional annual production of 11.5 million tons of limonite.The project is targeted to be completed by Q3/2026.

Advertisement


GET YOUR PASS