In 2025, Indonesia will further solidify its position as a key player in the global mineral processing industry, thanks to the world’s largest copper smelter with a single-line facility.

Quoted from TIMENEWS.CO.ID via YouTube joziya on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the smelter plant located in Gresik, East Java, has now become one of the nation’s proud achievements. This smelter is not just an industrial facility, but also a symbol of Indonesia’s self-reliance in processing domestic mineral resources.

This ambitious project began in October 2021 and has now reached a significant milestone with the commencement of the first copper cathode production on September 23, 2024.

The presence of this smelter was inaugurated by the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, marking Indonesia's commitment to strengthening the downstream industrial sector of its mineral resources.

This smelter is capable of refining up to 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate into 600,000 tons of copper cathodes annually, making it one of the largest and most efficient in the world.

The choice of Gresik as the location for the smelter was not a random decision. Gresik, located in East Java, is a hub for large industries and has the infrastructure to support smooth operations.

In addition, Gresik is home to major companies such as Petrokimia Gresik and Semen Indonesia, which require by-products from the copper smelting process as raw materials for their industries.

The copper by-products generated by this smelter are used in the production of mobile phones, electronic devices, and automotive products.

Thus, the presence of this smelter plays a role not only in enhancing Indonesia's competitiveness in the global market but also in supporting the needs of domestic industries.

This smelter is capable of refining up to 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate into 600,000 tons of copper cathodes annually, making it one of the largest and most efficient in the world.

The decision to locate the smelter in Gresik was a strategic one. Situated in East Java, Gresik is a hub for major industries and boasts the infrastructure necessary to ensure smooth operations.

With advanced technology, this copper smelter is capable of producing high-quality copper cathodes needed by global industries, including for the production of cables, batteries, and electronics.

The presence of this giant copper smelter brings many benefits to Indonesia's economy.

In addition to increasing the added value of mineral resources, this smelter also accelerates domestic industrialization, reduces dependence on raw material exports, and creates new job opportunities.

The increasingly efficient copper refining process will open new opportunities across various industrial sectors, ranging from telecommunications to heavy equipment manufacturing.

However, like other heavy industries, the operation of the copper smelter also faces several challenges. The melting process, which involves extremely high temperatures, requires a high level of caution.

Smelter workers must undergo specialized training and always wear personal protective equipment that meets the required standards.

In addition, the company must regularly conduct inspections and maintenance on heavy equipment and other supporting facilities to ensure smooth and safe operations.

The presence of the copper smelter in Gresik demonstrates that Indonesia is beginning to take serious steps in utilizing its natural resource potential.

Instead of exporting raw materials, Indonesia is now striving to process them into high-value products that can enhance competitiveness and create new economic opportunities.

This smelter also serves as an example for other mineral processing industries, such as nickel, tin, and gold, which can be processed in a similar way.