Far East Gold (ASX: FEG) has achieved the first success of its maiden diamond drill program aimed at testing the resource potential of the Anak Perak epithermal vein system of the Woyla copper-gold project in Indonesia.The first two holes of the planned 18-hole program at Woyla have been completed, and have intercepted the quartz vein of the Anak Perak Main Zone.For the first time in its history, the Woyla copper-gold project can now be drilled over its entire strike length after the Indonesian Government, earlier this month, issued a decree which allows drilling of the entire 13,000m of defined strike – something previous explorers had never managed to achieve.As a result of the decree, Far East can now drill in the forest-designated section of the project.The company says it is encouraged by initial observations of the core samples from the first two holes, which were testing the Anak Perak vein between 50m and 100m vertical depth from surface.Similar signs as other high-grade epithermal depositsThe drill core contained dark grey sulphide-rich zones and other geological indicators of mineralisation.These included ginguro banding, the significance of which is that it is a common feature with epithermal vein deposits, such as Gosowong in Indonesia, previously owned by Newcrest Mining (ASX: NCM), and Hishikari in Japan owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining.Gosowong contained 6 million ounces of gold and grades between 20 grams per tonne and 40g/t, while Hishikari has 8Moz at between 30-40gt.Woyla is located in the Aceh region at the northern tip of Sumatra and covers 24,260 hectares.In Far East’s opinion Woyla “is one of the most highly prospective, undrilled copper gold projects in South East Asia.”Far East holds a 51% stake in Woyla, which will increase to 80% upon completion of the feasibility statement and definition of a maiden JORC resource estimate.A second drill rig is now on site.Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/far-east-gold-intercepts-quartz-vein-woyla-project-indonesia/

The first largest in history, coal exports from Indonesia to Europe reached a fantastic amount. The Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) noted that Indonesia's coal exports to Europe reached up to 3.5 million tons to 4 million tons until October 2022. As is known, Europe is indeed in need of coal raw materials for its country's electricity energy needs in the midst of the energy crisis that is sweeping the European Union countries. Coal from Indonesia became a substitution for European imports when these countries imposed economic sanctions in the form of stopping coal from Russia, which was their mainstay. Executive Director of APBI, Hendra Sinadia said, referring to unofficial data, until October 2022, there were already nearly 4 million tons of coal to be shipped to several countries in Europe. Hendra said, compared to previous years, the volume of Indonesian coal exports to Europe is usually less than 1 million tons per year. "Of course, there is a significant increase in the number. This is not an official figure yet, if indeed the amount (4 million tons) is the largest (in history)," explained Hendra, on Tuesday (4/9/2022). Hendra cannot say for sure which European countries order coal from Indonesia. What is clear is that the news obtained by Hendra, Indonesia's coal exports to European countries were sent to Poland, the Netherlands, Greece, Spain to Germany. "Exactly how much is reported to be 3.5 million tons - 4 million tons," said Hendra. State Revenues from Coal 'Exploded'The soaring prices of mining commodities have had a real impact on state revenues, including Non-Tax State Revenues (PNBP). The realization of state revenues from the mineral and coal mining sector (minerba) has now reached IDR 118.34 trillion or 279.32% of the planned 2022 revenue target of IDR 42.37 trillion. This is based on data from Minerba One Data Indonesia (MODI) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), as of Monday, October 3, 2022. "The 2022 state revenue plan is IDR 42.37 trillion. The realization of IDR 118.34 trillion or 279.32%," modi wrote the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, quoted on Monday (03/10/2022). Of the state revenues in the mineral and coal mining sector, the majority or about 70%-80% comes from coal mining and the rest are minerals, such as nickel, copper, gold, tin, and others. The highest income occurred in July 2022, reaching IDR 12.55 trillion for the sale of mining products, then royalties of IDR 7.4 trillion, land leases (deadrent) of IDR 0.04 trillion, and other income of IDR 0.1 trillion. For September 2022, it was recorded that the sales of new mining products amounted to IDR 5.54 trillion, royalties of IDR 7.15 trillion, deadrent of IDR 0.03 trillion, and other income of IDR 0.03 trillion. Nevertheless, the September data is still potentially updated. As is known, coal prices have skyrocketed since the beginning of this year, especially when the Russo-Ukrainian War broke out on February 24, 2022. The price of coal had reached its peak on September 5, 2022 of US$ 463.75. Although it has decreased afterwards, the price of coal is still holding above US$ 400 per ton. In the last trade last week, Friday (30/9/2022), the price of the November contract coal in the Ice Newcastle market closed at US$ 407.7 per ton. The price fell 0.38%. However, this week coal prices are expected to still move in the lower range of US $ 400 per ton. Bank Mandiri Industry Analyst Ahmad Zuhdi estimates that coal prices will move in the range of US $ 410 per ton. For the record, coal prices have never left the level of US $ 400 per ton since August 12, 2022. "Looking at the sentiment, it turns out that it is still strong and coal is still said to be the cheapest energy, we see that it will still be above US $ 400 per ton, the deepest around US $ 410," Zuhdi told CNBC Indonesia. Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20221004092442-4-376984/terbesar-dalam-sejarah-ekspor-batu-bara-ri-berlayar-ke-eropa

Nickel Industries’ Hengjaya nickel project, located within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, has commenced its transition from nickel pig iron production to nickel matte.Hengjaya Nickel“As a result of the innovation by our operating partner and major shareholder Tsingshan, nickel matte produced from laterite ore is now able to be sold into the ‘Class 1’ nickel electric vehicle battery supply chain,” said the Australian miner, who noted that it has contracted all its high grade nickel matte sales through March 2023 to a third party.While Hengjaya’s capital modifications to produce nickel matte were completed earlier this year, Nickel Industries said it chose to defer switching until its Angel nickel project within the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park reached nameplate production.Hengjaya will produce a low grade nickel matte, which will be upgraded to high (i.e. nickel sulfide with 60% to 75% nickel content) by converters that have been specifically built within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park.In 2021, Hengjaya produced 149,045 tonnes of nickel pig iron, containing 20,020 tonnes of nickel metal equivalent.Source: https://www.asiaminer.com/news/latest-news/11165-hengjaya-shifts-to-nickel-matte.html#.Yz01w6IzaMp

PT Pelayaran Nasional Ekalya Purnamasari Tbk (ELPI) formed a coal transportation joint venture. In an information disclosure on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), Friday (23/9/2022), the company established a business entity in the form of a limited liability company called PT ELPI Nusantara Armada (ENA). ELPI Corporate Secretary Wawan Heri Purnomo said that the purpose of the establishment of this new business entity was as a step to develop the company's business in the navy sector, especially tug ships and barges for coal transportation. "Where currently the company does not have this type of ship," said Wawan in an information disclosure, quoted on Friday (23/9/2022). Wawan explained that the composition of ENA's shareholders came from the company amounting to IDR 22 billion or 55%. Then, PT Maharaja Nusantara Energi (MNE) amounted to IDR 14 billion or 35%, and PT Samahita Global Investama (SGI) amounted to IDR 4 billion or 10%Meanwhile, the implementation of the transaction had a positive impact on the company's operations and revenue. In addition, the current market share of tug and barge ship transportation until the future is projected to be very high, thus providing a profitable business prospect for the company. "This is also in line with the development of the company's business lines in the next five years," he continued. In addition, the establishment of ENA is believed not to have a negative impact on the company's operational activities, laws, financial condition or business continuity.Source: https://economy.okezone.com/read/2022/09/23/278/2673559/pelayaran-ekalya-elpi-bentuk-usaha-patungan-angkutan-batu-bara?page=2

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves), Luhut B. Pandjaitan, inaugurated the QMB New Energy Materials project in Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Monday (26/9/2022). In more detail, the QMB project became the opening of the production chain of new energy raw materials from hydrometallurgical laterite nickel ore. "Today we are not only witnessing the rapid construction of a green, ecological, and intelligent modern factory, but also seeing the birth of the first nickel resource industry museum in Indonesian history," said Coordinating Minister Marves Luhut in his speech. Through the inauguration, Indonesia finally has a hydrometallurgical engineering center for laterite nickel ore and new energy materials with the standards and quality of developed countries. The momentum is also a means of increasing comprehensive promotion for the development and utilization of laterite nickel mines in Indonesia. The design scale of the QMB project is to produce nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxide as a raw material for ternary electric batteries with an output of 50,000 tons of metal nickel per year. It should be noted that QMB is part of indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum strategic cooperation framework and the People's Republic of China's (PRC's One Belt, One Road) initiative. This collaboration focuses on the utilization of local and environmentally friendly labor. So far, collaboration is going well and certainly cannot be separated from the support of the local community, central government, local government, and other stakeholders. In addition to Indonesia, QMB is also a cooperation project with Korea and Japan, so there are four countries in this cooperation, namely Indonesia, China, Korea, and Japan. Coordinating Minister Luhut on the occasion thanked Professor Xu Kai Hua as the founder of GEM for training a large number of outstanding hydrometallurgical talents for Indonesia. "Our best hope is that QMB will continue to advance like a sea wave in the field of new energy materials and always be at the forefront of the present to the future," said Coordinating Minister Luhut. In addition to inaugurating the QMB project, Coordinating Minister Luhut also reviewed PT Indonesia Puqing Recycling Technology (Puqing), PT Huayou Nickel Cobalt, and CNGR. These three companies strive to guarantee the availability of raw materials for renewable industries downstream and upstream of the production chain. In addition, all of them seek to reduce carbon emissions produced in the process of processing renewable energy as a form of environmental protection.Source: https://infopublik.id/kategori/nasional-ekonomi-bisnis/669685/indonesia-miliki-pusat-teknik-hidrometalurgi-bijih-nikel-laterit

The Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) considers the use of technology to be the key for Indonesia in developing clean energy without having to abandon fossil energy, including coal, which is quite abundant today. Acting Executive Director of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) Djoko Widajatno said, Indonesia needs to transform in the use of coal resources. Given, these resources are quite abundant in their current existence. "How do we go towards clean energy without leaving fossil energy, technology will answer this and it is a challenge for friends who are still diligently researching how energy is in the future," said Djoko in the Transformative Mine Book Surgery Webinar, Monday (26/9/2022). Djoko assessed that the use of coal should not only be limited to stopping at Carbon Capture and Storage / Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCS / CCUS) technology to reduce carbon emissions produced by steam power plants (PLTU). However, it can also be overcome by the development of other technologies such as coal gasification. Moreover, Djoko said that Indonesia should not have to be afraid of the pressure exerted by Western countries regarding CO2 emissions. "What does 2% mean? Why are we busy with finding loans for new renewable energy and so on. Are we not among the paranoid ones then? We will overcome this with friends who are now looking for clean and renewable forms of energy through coal by developing research to capture greenhouse gases and CO2," he said. As is known, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially banned the construction of coal-based steam power plants (PLTU). Not only that, the President also asked the Minister to compile a roadmap for accelerating the termination or retirement of coal-fired power plants that are still operating today. The policy is officially stated in Presidential Regulation No.112 of 2022 concerning the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for Electricity Supply. This Presidential Regulation was established by President Joko Widodo on September 13, 2022 and is effective at the time of promulgation, which is the same as the stipulation date, September 13, 2022. The policy is aimed at the energy transition of the electricity sector. This is stated in Article 3. Article 3 (1) reads: "In the context of the energy transition in the electricity sector, the Minister shall prepare a roadmap for accelerating the termination of the operational life of coal-fired power plants as outlined in the sectoral planning document." However, on the other hand, paragraph 4 states that the development of new coal-fired power plants is prohibited, except for one of them for coal-fired power plants that have been stipulated in the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) before the enactment of this Presidential Regulation.Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20220926150747-4-375009/ini-kunci-ri-genjot-energi-bersih-tanpa-tinggalkan-batu-bara

PT MNC Energy Investments Tbk (IATA) has set a coal production target of 10 million metric tons (MT) next year. Executive Chairman of MNC Group Hary Tanoesoedibjo said, IATA as one of the core business of MNC Group can achieve positive performance growth amidst the increasing trend of commodity prices, especially coal. "IATA is the core business that we will definitely grow," he said in the Capital Sekuritas (JUCS) Main Services webinar, Monday (26/9/2022). To achieve this target, said Hary, the company will add roads for mining activities. In addition, IATA will add a conveyor system to facilitate coal lifting. In the future, the company will also explore mining locations that do not yet have the capacity to carry out mining activities. "We will continue to push for IATA to be as big as possible. This is our commitment," he said. The Company is committed to continuing to increase coal production, which began to bear fruit in an increase in net profit to USD32.19 million in the first half of 2022 or an increase of 735.49% compared to the same period last year of USD3.85 million. The profits recorded by the company came from BCR's subsidiaries, namely PT Putra Muba Coal (PMC) and PT Bhumi Sriwijaya Perdana Coal (BSPC), which targeted production of 4.5 million MT and 1.8 million MT respectively for 2022, an increase from 2 million MT and 590 thousand MT in 2021. In addition to PMC and BSPC, another BCR subsidiary PT Indonesia Batu Prima Energi (IBPE) has started coal production in July 2022.Source: https://ekbis.sindonews.com/read/895909/178/iata-bidik-produksi-10-juta-metrik-ton-batu-bara-di-2023-1664190558

PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk through its subsidiary PT Mentari Alam Persada (MAP), started the construction of an 8.9-kilometer access road to the mining area (bypass road) that connects the Trans Sulawesi road to the mine site in Hulawa Village, Buntulia District, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo, Thursday (22/9/2022). The construction of this 10-meter-wide road uses the basic materials of macadam to support the mining activities of the Pani Gold Project, which is a gold mining project jointly managed by PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS), PT Gorontalo Sejahtera Mining (GSM) and PT Pani Bersama Tambang (PBT). "This gold mining project is a very massive investment with an investment of IDR 10 trillion. A huge project that will bring benefits to everyone," said Vice President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Simon James Milroy. On the right and left of the road, a drainage of 3 meters wide each will be built and a corridor for other uses 9 meters wide. The total road openings will be 25 meters wide, according to a press statement from PT Merdeka Mining Service. In addition to Simon, present at the opening ceremony of the project included Pohuwato Regent Saipul Mbuinga and his staff and President Director of PT PETS and PT GSM Boyke Poerbaya Abidin. "This road project confirms that this gold mining project is about to start. The district government would like to thank the company for opening up business opportunities for local entrepreneurs," said Regent Saipul. "We convey to the investors to be consistent in protecting the environment and "the community is asked to maintain a conducive atmosphere given the large investment," he said again. This bypass road construction project is expected to take about a year. Along with road construction, a 7x105 meter bridge will also be built that can withstand loads of up to 150 tons. For the needs of the construction of this bypass road, the company has carried out land acquisition by guaranteeing the rights of landowners in a fair manner, Simon said. Mining business activities will prioritize local contractors and local resources, with 2,000 to 3,000 employees when production begins, he added. The bypass road was built so that the activities of the local community were not disrupted because the company in the future will use this new road in most of its operations. The company will also provide access guarded by officers to ensure the safety of nearby residents passing by, Simon said. Meanwhile, community representatives who attended the meeting asked companies to pay more attention to the recruitment of local workers from their area, improve existing road access, and support other community activities.Source: https://www.beritasatu.com/ekonomi/980159/merdeka-copper-gold-bangun-jalan-tambang-rp-10t-di-gorontalo

Indonesia as the world's largest producer and exporter of coal began to be looked at by European countries after Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe. Of course, this is a good opportunity to increase exports amid soaring coal prices. However, there are a number of challenges faced by Indonesia in meeting the demand for coal in the European market, including shipping costs, differences in the quality of coal produced by Indonesia, and market needs in Europe. "The challenge for coal entrepreneurs today is to enter the European market where there are some specific criteria to be desired. The needs of the European market are medium to high type coal, while Indonesia produces medium to low type coal. We see this as an opportunity to improve our market, of course, while still considering the commitments that have been agreed with other buyers," said Djaya Bersama (MDB) Group Media Director Hans Manoe. Facing these challenges, currently MDB with its subsidiaries PT Mifa Bersaudara (MIFA) and PT Bara Energi Lestari (BEL) will optimize existing coal production with a level of 3,400 GAR (Gross CV; AR). To boost the quality and quantity of coal production, MDB Group emphasizes productivity and profitability through increasing production volumes and cost efficiency. "As a professional in the coal sector, of course, cost efficiency is the key to a sustainable coal production process," said Hans. Currently, MDB Group, together with its subsidiaries, is the only coal mining company operating in Aceh. It is not easy to operate in Aceh. Hans mentioned geographical challenges, contours, and soil structure. Not to mention the existence of a monsoon that can last for approximately four months of the year (May, June, July, August). Experience in facing these challenges ultimately increases the company's competitive advantage. "This is also supported by the existence of a new format in MDB since 2021 which is a combination of two major forces in the business world. The goal of every company is what is known as Tripple P bottom line (people, planet, and profit). MDB in running its business always tries to put people and planet first, Profit will follow by itself," said Hans. Recently, an Asian-level coal conference and exhibition was held, Coaltrans Asia 2022, in Nusa Dua, Bali, on September 18-20, 2022. This event is a meeting between entrepreneurs and coal industry market players, as well as the government as policy makers. MDB Group views Coaltrans Asia 2022 as a means to mutually strengthen cooperation among business actors in the coal sector. "The challenges of the coal industry in the future are getting bigger, including ESG and renewable energy. The Coaltrans Asia Forum helps strengthen business actors in this industry because consumers, producers, and governments can meet to synergize, collaborate, and coordinate," said Hans.Source: https://www.medcom.id/ekonomi/bisnis/PNgw7Q8N-mdb-group-siapkan-strategi-tembus-pasar-batu-bara-eropa

Sinar Mas Berau Coal Polytechnic again handed over full scholarships to 43 students and 2 instructors, along with the agenda of the New Student Mental and Physical Development (Bintalsik) activities. The agenda was attended by high-ranking officials of PT Berau Coal, Director of Sinar Mas Berau Coal Polytechnic, Commander of Squadron 13 Serbu, representatives of PT Berau Coal's partners, Berau Regent Sri Juniarsih, and Speaker of the Berau Dprd Madri Pani. Berau Regent Sri Juniarsih, who participated in handing over the scholarship, also appreciated the commitment of PT Berau Coal Sinar Mas which has contributed optimally in improving human resources (HR) in Berau Regency, through vocational education that is currently being carried out. Moreover, before studying at the Sinar Ma Berau Coal Polytechnic, new students were also equipped with bintalsik to train mentally, physically and discipline. "I really appreciate and am quite proud of the Sinar Mas Berau Coal Polytechnic. Moreover, many of the new students entered through the scholarship route from Berau Coal," he explained. As for the regent's hope, these students can study well and earnestly at the polytechnic. So, when you graduate, you will be ready to enter the world of work, in accordance with the scientific field you are engaged in. At the same place, the Chairman of dharma Bhakti Berau Coal Foundation, Horas Parsaulian Pardede, said that as many as 86 new students entered the polytechnic as many as 43 who entered through the scholarship route. He continued, PT Berau Coal also provided scholarships to the instructors of the Sinar Mas Berau Coal Polytechnic who would continue their Master's further education. "This is a form of the company's commitment in order to support the progress of education in Berau Regency, especially local young women," he explained.Source: https://kaltim.tribunnews.com/2022/09/26/berau-coal-dukung-beasiswa-dan-bintalsik-untuk-tingkatkan-sdm-lokal