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.

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.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the domestic coal supply obligation (Domestic Market Obligation or DMO) target for 2025 will be higher compared to 2024.Julian Ambassadur Shiddiq, Director of Mineral and Coal Program Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), said the DMO target for this year is 239.7 million tons."It is 239.7 million tons" Julian said when contacted by Kontan on Friday, January 17.In comparison, this figure is higher than the DMO target for 2024, which according to the Minerba One Data Indonesia (MODI) is 181.3 million tons. The actual realization reached 209.93 million tons, meaning the DMO percentage for 2024 was 115.79%.Thus, compared to last year's target, the 2025 DMO target represents an increase of 24.36%.Julian also mentioned that the target increase is based on calculations from the results of multilateral meetings with coal industry stakeholders."(The target) is from the prognosis following our multilateral meetings with industry players who use coal" he added.Another consideration is based on the 2025 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL)."It also includes analyzing the RUPTL" he briefly added.He explained that a portion of the DMO for this year will still be allocated to meet the needs of Steam Power Plants (PLTU).Previously, the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) predicted that Indonesia's demand for coal in 2025 will continue to increase, especially to maintain energy security."The coal business in 2025 will still be driven by domestic and export demand for coal to ensure energy security" said Gita when contacted by Kontan on Monday, December 30.Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA), Hendra Sinadia, explained that the DMO supply for 2024 has been implemented well. One indicator is the absence of any power plants facing coal supply shortages."Domestic coal consumption is not just for PLN (State Electricity Company) but also for other industries. The share of coal consumption for the electricity sector is still around 65%," Hendra told Kontan on Friday, January 17.With the increase in the DMO volume this year, he believes the government will also target an increase in both production and domestic coal consumption.However, Hendra once again urged the government to evaluate the DMO coal price for PLN, which has remained unchanged at USD 70 per ton for several years."I believe the selling price to PLN of USD 70/ton should be reconsidered. It has been in place since 2018, while operational costs have increased each year" he said.

The development of the bauxite mining business in the country, according to the Indonesian Bauxite Association (ABI), has not progressed as expected.According to the Chairman of ABI, Ronald Sulistyanto, his organization remains somewhat pessimistic about the development of the bauxite sector, especially in terms of its downstream process. However, he mentioned that it is not impossible for mining companies to expand into bauxite mining."It means that those who don't own bauxite mines are transitioning into bauxite mining, which is a good sign. But if we look at it, even those who already own bauxite mines, back in the 2017 Integrity Pact, there were 11 companies that had not progressed yet. In fact, due to delays, they were fined by the government" said Ronald, when contacted by Kontan, Thursday (January 16).For your information, the Integrity Pact is an agreement made to affirm the commitment to develop bauxite refining or smelting facilities within the country."Now, if there are new plans (for bauxite smelters), just imagine that the 11 companies from the 2017 Integrity Pact haven't materialized yet, let alone the new ones. I’m quite pessimistic about it. Especially if it’s just a plan for acquiring bauxite mines" he added.Ronald further mentioned that even if there is growth in the bauxite sector, it will start with the mines. The potential for further development into smelting still has a 'future' outlook."That could be the case, meaning the focus will be on acquiring the mines first, and the smelters later. But if we hope for the best, it shouldn’t stop at just the mines; it should also include the smelters" he said. Bauxite Mining and Smelting Developments in IndonesiaIn Indonesia, there are three mining companies with bauxite mines, including PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) through its Tayan bauxite mine in West Kalimantan, which is managed by the West Kalimantan Bauxite Mining Business Unit (UBP Bauksit Kalimantan Barat).There are also PT Cita Mineral Investindo Tbk (CITA), part of the Harita Group, which owns a bauxite mine in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. The mine is managed by two of its subsidiaries, PT Harita Prima Abadi Mineral and PT Karya Utama Tambangjaya.PT Indika Energy Tbk (INDY) also owns a bauxite mine, which is managed by its subsidiary, PT Mekko Metal Mining (Mekko), located in Ngabang, Landak, West Kalimantan.Regarding the decision to enter the bauxite mining sector, PT Bumi Resources Tbk (BUMI) has not disclosed any clear plans.However, BUMI's Director and Corporate Secretary, Dileep Srivastava, stated that the company does not rule out the possibility of expanding into other mineral sectors."Bumi has long expressed its intention to continue focusing on coal but without expanding its capacity, and to pursue projects outside of coal, such as coal-to-chemicals and non-coal projects in the metals and minerals sector" he explained when contacted by Kontan on Thursday (January 16).In terms of smelter ownership, the state-owned mining company, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum), recently revealed that the first phase of the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR), a collaboration with Antam in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, will be fully operational by early 2025.This smelter is expected to produce 1 million tons of alumina, requiring 3.3 million tons of bauxite annually as raw material.Meanwhile, other bauxite smelters in Indonesia are owned by several companies, including PT Indonesia Chemical Alumina (ICA), PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery, and PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia.In 2024, Ronald mentioned that the smelter owned by PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia should already be operational, which would increase the number of domestic bauxite smelters."We consider the addition in 2024, for example, Borneo Alumina, which has not started production until now" he said.Overall, the development of bauxite downstream processing in 2025 is predicted to still not meet expectations."I don't find the progress encouraging" he concluded.

PT Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI) is committed to continuing mining operations that prioritize the safety and security of employees, operations, and the environment.The statement was made by the General Manager of Operations (GMO) and Chief Mining Engineer (KTT) of PT BSI, Roelly Fransza.The campaign for occupational health and safety was also highlighted during the opening ceremony of National Occupational Health and Safety Month (Bulan K3 Nasional), held at PT BSI's site, Tujuh Bukit Operations, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.According to Roelly Fransza, the National K3 Month is the perfect moment to reflect the company's commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment."National K3 Month is an extraordinary moment to reflect on our commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all of us," said Roelly Fransza on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.This year’s theme for K3 Month is ‘Strengthening Human Resources Capacity to Support the Mining Safety Management System (SMKP) and Productivity’. Additionally, PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk's subsidiary also set a sub-theme, which is ‘Strengthening K3 Culture and Resilient Risk Management Systems, and Effective Contractor Management to Achieve Safety and Optimal Productivity at PT Bumi Suksesindo’.Mining safety, according to Roelly Fransza, encompasses all activities related to the management of occupational health and safety in mining as well as operational safety in mining. A good safety performance in mining will lead to improved company productivity."The idea is, when we can work safely and securely, production flows smoothly, and productivity increases. With good productivity, the company's performance also improves, which ultimately benefits us and the environment" he explained.During National K3 Month, in addition to the opening ceremony, the gold mine at Tumpang Pitu Mountain, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi, East Java, will also host various activities for employees and contractors. These include the Tujuh Bukit Fire Rescue Challenge, Occupational Health and Safety Webinar, Mining Safety Ideas and Innovations Competition, Mining Safety Promotion Video Competition, Risk Management Officer (RMO) Program, and OHS Reflection Day. These activities are planned to take place from January to March 2025.Roelly Fransza hopes that National K3 Month will serve as a foundation and reflection for PT BSI employees and contractors to improve mining safety performance today and in the future."Mining safety is the collective result of the performance of individuals - each of us. Every individual plays an equally important role" he concluded.

Recording several exploration projects in 2024, MIND ID, is committed to consistently carrying out the government mandate in managing mineral and coal resources and reserves this year.It is worth noting that exploration involves a series of activities including preliminary surveys, geological mapping, topographic surveys, geophysical investigations, and other basic investigations, followed by drilling activities and laboratory analysis.This is done in order to obtain data on the overall potential resources and reserves before conducting mining activities.MIND ID's Corporate Secretary, Heri Yusuf, stated that the strategic downstream projects of the MIND ID Group have been deemed effective in utilizing Indonesia's current mineral and coal resources and reserves.To ensure the long-term sustainability of the downstream program, the MIND ID Group remains committed to maintaining the resilience and growth of reserves by using the reserve replacement ratio as an indicator, through the company's commitment to conducting ongoing exploration activities."Exploration is the most upstream process in the mining industry and is crucial. We strive to ensure that these reserves continue to grow and are ready to be monetized to guarantee the sustainability of Indonesia’s mineral downstream program" he said in a press release on Wednesday (January 15).The exploration programs that have been carried out in 2024 are being managed by PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) to manage the resources and reserves of critical and strategic mineral commodities in various regions such as Tayan, West Kalimantan for bauxite, and Pongkor, West Java for gold.As for nickel commodities, exploration is ongoing in areas such as North Konawe, Pomalaa in Southeast Sulawesi, Tanjung Buli in North Maluku, and Gag Island in Southwest Papua.PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) is also carrying out exploration with a focus on the Tanjung Enim area in South Sumatra, which holds the largest coal reserves in Indonesia. In 2024, exploration activities have included geological mapping and monitoring, drilling, and sample analysis.PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)’s copper and gold production, as planned, has a mine life until 2041. However, based on the current estimates of available resources and reserves, production is expected to continue beyond 2041, provided that an extension of the production operation license is granted by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) is also consistently conducting exploration activities and plans to intensify exploration in the Tanamalia Block, which is part of the company’s mining concession in Sorowako, South Sulawesi.Furthermore, PT Timah Tbk (TINS), as a member of the MIND ID Group, has also demonstrated its commitment to exploration activities, including drilling operations in the seas around Bangka Island and Kundur Island. Meanwhile, PT Timah Tbk is also conducting land exploration activities that include primary and alluvial tin deposits, as well as mine guidance drilling to optimize production on Bangka Island and Belitung Island."The exploration program has been quite aggressive in 2024, and we are committed to continuing it in 2025 to consistently support the creation of sustainable added value for the Indonesian economy in the long term" he concluded.

Former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has been appointed as an Independent Commissioner of mining giant PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. during an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) held January 14, 2025, at Soehanna Hall in South Jakarta.The EGMS approved important changes to the composition of the Company's Board of Commissioners. Specifically, Raden Sukhyar was officially honorably dismissed as an Independent Commissioner. This decision is effective immediately and includes a full release of responsibility (acquit et de charge) for his actions during his tenure, provided these actions are documented in the company's official reports and do not violate any applicable laws.As his replacement, Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi was subsequently appointed as the new Independent Commissioner of the Company. “Effective from the closing of the EGMS until the closing of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2027,” according to an official statement from PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.During the EGMS, the Board of Directors and the Board of Commissioners of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. expressed their gratitude to Raden Sukhyar for his contributions and dedication during his service.The latest composition of the Board of Commissioners of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. is as follows:President Commissioner: Muhammad Rachmat KaimuddinVice President Commissioner: Emily Marie OlsonCommissioner: M. Jasman PanjaitanCommissioner: Edi PermadiCommissioner: Fabio De Souza Queiroz FerrazCommissioner: Kristina Janet GauthierCommissioner: Yusuke NiwaIndependent Commissioner: RudiantaraIndependent Commissioner: Marita AlisjahbanaIndependent Commissioner: Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi

Trinitan Green Energy Metals (TGEM), a pioneer in sustainable Class 1 nickel processing technology, has set a strategic target to produce 3,200 tons of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) in 2025. This target aligns with TGEM’s successful production capacity ramp-up at its Go STAL facilities in the last quarter of 2024.“This growth target is a testament to TGEM’s commitment to meeting the increasing global demand for sustainable nickel solutions,” Rama A. Panjaitan, Head of Project Development & Management at TGEM, said in the press statement on Tuesday, January 14. “To achieve this, we are focusing on serving key export markets, including Korea and Japan, while continuing to explore opportunities in other high-demand regions,” he added.To support this target, TGEM continues to enhance its proprietary STAL (Step Temperature Acid Leach) Technology, expanding its capabilities to process a wider range of materials. Advancements in this technology now allow the company to process not only laterite ore but also processed industrial waste, such as processed spent catalysts. “These enhanced capabilities mark a significant step toward circular economy practices, reintegrating waste materials into production processes and significantly reducing environmental impact,” Rama explained.These advancements reflect years of research and development, reinforcing TGEM’s role in advancing environmentally responsible nickel extraction technology developed by Indonesians. “With these enhanced capabilities, we are making meaningful contributions to sustainable nickel production, supporting global decarbonization goals, and meeting the increasing demand for high-quality nickel solutions,” Rama added. “This is particularly crucial for key regions like the Western markets, where stringent quality and sustainability standards are prioritized.”As part of its strategic growth, TGEM is actively expanding its footprint in the Western markets, where demand for sustainable and high-quality Class 1 nickel solutions continues to rise. Rama stated, “TGEM is uniquely positioned as the only company capable of meeting the strict requirements of the Western markets.” He added, “Our innovative STAL Technology ensures we are well-positioned to meet the growing needs of industries that adhere to strict sustainability and production standards.” TGEM is also strengthening its relationships with Western partners to ensure reliable supply chains for environmentally responsible nickel products.TGEM’s MHP production, with a nickel content exceeding 50%—significantly higher than the global average of 30%-40%—positions the company as a key supplier for Western markets, where stringent quality and sustainability standards are essential.“TGEM’s STAL Technology applications align with our Zero Waste Initiative by converting residues into valuable by-products,” Rama explained. “This initiative eliminates the need for long-term residue management and offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to the commonly used High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) MHP production method, which has been criticized for generating significant residues and posing long-term environmental risks. By adopting these Zero Waste principles, TGEM is paving the way for a more sustainable future in nickel production.” 

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed that the government will encourage several commodities for its downstream program, in addition to nickel. "There are 26 to 28 commodities that will be prioritized, especially in fisheries, forestry, agriculture, oil and gas, and mineral and coal (minerba)," he said when met at his office on Friday, January 10, 2025.According to Bahlil, President Prabowo is advocating for development across all sectors. "So far, we have been focusing on nickel, but copper is already progressing. Then there's bauxite, tin, oil and gas. We are also pushing for methanol," Bahlil explained.The 28 commodities for downstreaming include coal, nickel, tin, copper, bauxite, stainless steel, gold and silver, lead asphalt, sand, manganese, cobalt, metals, petroleum, natural gas, palm oil, coconut, rubber, biofuel, round log, pine resin, shrimp, fish, crab, seaweed, salt, nutmeg, cocoa, and tilapia.Specifically for oil and gas, the government will also build methanol production facilities for B35 and B40 needs to meet the production target of 2.3 million tons. Currently, domestic production, according to Bahlil, can only reach 500,000 tons. "This means that up to 80 percent is still imported," he said. "We are pushing for methanol production in Bojonegoro."In addition to methanol, Bahlil mentioned that the government is also encouraging the development of an ammonia industry in West Papua. He added that the government is promoting the development of various other industrial sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and forestry, as these sectors have the potential to create significant employment opportunities.In the coal sector, the government is also promoting gasification or dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative energy source to replace liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). According to Bahlil, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) requires companies that previously held Coal Mining Business Agreements (PKP2B) and have obtained Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK) to implement coal downstreaming.President Prabowo Subianto, when he first took office, instructed ministers to formulate a downstreaming program. He believes that the downstreaming program will be one of the key strategies for the government to address poverty in Indonesia.

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.