BUMN Holding Industri Pertambangan Indonesia (MIND ID) is enhancing the implementation of smart operations through automation, digitalization, and innovation to optimize added value in Indonesia’s mining sector downstream program.Corporate Secretary of MIND ID, Heri Yusuf, explained in Jakarta on Sunday that the strengthening of the MIND ID Group’s downstream program is being executed comprehensively, including the implementation of digital transformation, which is expected to positively impact production, efficiency, and risk mitigation.He elaborated that the MIND ID Group has successfully adopted artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics on a large scale, utilized by members such as PT Aneka Tambang Tbk, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, PT Timah Tbk, and PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.In mining operations, many machines and vehicles are now remotely controlled, with various sensors assisting operators in identifying mineral potentials while also managing risks that could occur in the field.Moreover, technology has significantly aided group members in predicting optimal maintenance schedules for machinery and equipment, ensuring that mining, refining, and mineral processing operations are consistently maintained at optimal levels.“Gradual digital transformation across operations is being implemented to add value throughout the entire mining and mineral processing chain. This effort aims to achieve optimal and efficient operational activities,” Heri said.A concrete example of this initiative is the adoption of advanced technology by MIND ID members, such as PT Freeport Indonesia, which has implemented smart mining operations.Freeport Indonesia, as part of MIND ID, has been leading the use of advanced technology in the mining industry, including the optimization of 5G technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics in mining operations.Freeport’s mining trucks, which are operated using joysticks, demonstrate significant digitalization in improving operational efficiency and worker safety.Meanwhile, Vice Minister of SOEs, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, praised the progress achieved by SOEs, including the MIND ID Group, over the past five years in applying digitalization to increase operational efficiency.According to her, this strategic step provides substantial benefits to SOEs, particularly in ensuring the sustainability of the mining industry in the future.“We are entering the digital world with increasingly competitive products. Every sector needs operational digitalization. One example is PT Freeport Indonesia’s underground copper mine, where the mining trucks are no longer driven by humans but are operated using joysticks with 5G technology,” she stated.

PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA) remains committed to advancing the strategic phase of the Awak Mas Project located in Latimojong District, Luwu, South Sulawesi.Recently, MDA held the first phase of socialization regarding pre-construction activities, which was attended by landowners or land cultivators whose properties have not yet been released, MDA representatives, village and district stakeholders, as well as local law enforcement officials, including the police and the district attorney’s office in Luwu Regency.It was explained that MDA will continue pre-construction activities while simultaneously working on land acquisition and compensation payments so that the investment can soon benefit the broader community.MDA has mediated with landowners multiple times but has faced challenges due to high compensation price demands.Ultimately, MDA took a strategic step by depositing funds at Bank Mandiri KCP Belopa, specifically earmarked for compensation payments for all crops and/or land that has not been released, based on valuations from the Public Appraisal Service Office (KJPP) for compensation values.This action demonstrates MDA’s financial readiness and willingness to carry out land acquisitions, enabling landowners or cultivators who wish to receive compensation to complete the process quickly.While this process continues, MDA will proceed with operational activities on lands within its Contract of Work (Kontrak Karya) area.Luwu District Attorney’s Civil and Administrative Law Section Chief (Kasi Datun) Muh. Hendra S emphasized the importance of resolving the matter through consensus. He noted that pricing already follows clear guidelines from the appraisal team, specifically the KJPP.“If an impasse occurs, the final step is resolution through the courts, where the court's decision must be accepted by both parties. The price may change from the initial agreement or revert to the base price set by the KJPP,” he explained.Hendra added that land clearing can continue while the court process is ongoing.MDA is confident that the Awak Mas Project will provide long-term contributions to Luwu Regency, benefiting not only local economic growth but also strengthening the region’s fiscal capacity.The company hopes this project will become a driving force for regional development, particularly in Luwu’s economy, which is in need of breakthroughs.For this reason, MDA is seeking support from all parties, including local communities, stakeholders, and law enforcement, to ensure that pre-construction operations proceed smoothly and as expected.MDA’s Head of Mining Engineering, Mustafa Ibrahim, stated that the company will always strive to approach matters in the best and most transparent ways, hoping that all processes will run smoothly in accordance with existing regulations.“We also hope that this project will bring benefits to the community, as well as open up job opportunities and enhance economic growth for the local population,” he said.MDA is optimistic that with full support from the community, government, and all stakeholders, the project’s continuation will achieve its goals and, in time, provide significant benefits to many involved parties.

Castrol Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national mining sector by introducing Castrol CRB Mining, a lubricant specifically designed for the industry. Castrol CRB Mining is formulated to provide maximum protection for heavy machinery operating under extreme conditions.This lubricant not only reduces engine wear but also extends the life of equipment, helping to enhance the efficiency and productivity of mining companies.Mike Zhang, Vice President of Castrol Asia Pacific, stated that the company brings experience and expertise from international markets, such as Australia, where they have established leadership in the mining industry.“In Indonesia, we continue to innovate to address the challenges of the mining sector, and with products like Castrol CRB Mining, we are confident we can remain a trusted partner,” Mike said at the Indonesia Mining Expo 2024, JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.Castrol Indonesia has built an extensive distribution network covering various mining regions across the country, allowing easy access to Castrol products for mining companies in remote locations.In addition, Castrol is supported by a team of professionals with deep experience in the mining industry, ensuring that every mining company can maintain operational efficiency and equipment reliability.Castrol, as one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a long history of developing high-quality lubricants for over 125 years. The company's partnership philosophy has driven it to create innovative lubricant solutions, not only for the automotive sector but also for heavy technology industries such as mining.“With our technology and experience, we believe Castrol will continue to play a crucial role in the development of Indonesia's mining industry,” Mike added.Besides Castrol CRB Mining, other Castrol products such as Castrol Vecton, Castrol Transmax, and Castrol Hyspin are also available to support the heavy equipment and commercial vehicle segments in Indonesia. As part of the BP group, Castrol serves customers across various sectors, from automotive to marine industries.In Indonesia, Castrol has been present for decades and plays a key role in major projects, including in the mining sector, making the company a reliable partner for many leading mining companies in the country.

PT Kobexindo Equipment ("KOBE"), a subsidiary of PT Kobexindo Tractors Tbk (IDX: “KOBX”), has delivered two units of SIBILIA truck Vacuum S24D to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)'s smelter in Gresik, East Java. These industrial heavy equipment trucks, mounted on a 6x4 diesel truck with a 7,684 cc engine, use a 4-stroke in-line diesel engine adhering to Euro 4 emission standards, designed to support operational mobility.The SIBILIA truck Vacuum S24D is an Italian-made vacuum machine with over 80 years of experience. Powered by a 136HP auxiliary diesel engine, it generates a suction force of 8,300DaPa. The machine is equipped with a 10m3 dust/waste collection tank and holds an ATEX certification (Atmospheres Explosible), meeting European Union standards for products used in potentially explosive environments.Suryanto, Director of PT Kobexindo Equipment, expressed pride in supporting Freeport Indonesia's zero-waste policy and maintaining high standards of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) across all its operational areas.The S24D's strong suction power is designed for large-scale industrial waste management, helping Freeport manage waste efficiently, reduce downtime, and maintain cleanliness in the smelter area.PTFI’s second smelter was inaugurated on June 27, 2024. Copper cathode, the smelter's primary product, serves as raw material for various downstream industries, including cables, electronics, and electrical sectors.Kobexindo's Performance Highlights: Strengthening Non-Mining SegmentsIn the S1 2024, Kobexindo’s heavy equipment unit sales reached IDR 499.93 billion, contributing 56.25% to the company's consolidated total revenue, the highest among its business segments. This growth was driven by strong sales performance across various business sectors.“Kobexindo remains committed to strengthening its non-mining segments, including the manufacturing sector, with a focus on providing environmentally friendly heavy equipment. Through KOBE, the company offers environmental solutions, material handling, and logistic solutions. This reflects Kobexindo’s commitment to supplying high-quality equipment tailored to industry needs while supporting environmentally responsible business practices,” explained Gabrielle Azelia, Corporate Secretary of PT Kobexindo Tractors Tbk.

PT Adaro Energy Indonesia plans to spin off a coal mining unit valued at USD 2.45 billion as part of its shift away from the fossil fuel.The company, which is one of country’s biggest coal miners, aims to offload its 99.9% stake in Adaro Andalan Indonesia and will seek shareholder approval for the plan on Oct. 18, according to a local exchange filing late on Wednesday. Shares in Adaro rose as much as 15.1% on Thursday, the most in more than two years.Indonesian coal miners have been boosting their investment in areas like metals and green energy to benefit from the energy transition. Adaro is building an aluminum smelter in Kalimantan, although the fossil fuel still accounts for more than 90% of its revenue. Other firms like PT Harum Energy and PT United Tractors have bought into the country’s rapidly expanding nickel sector.The Southeast Asian nation remains the world’s top exporter of thermal coal, used in power stations, and continues to rely on it for most of its domestic energy needs. An international plan to finance its shift away from the fossil fuel has stalled since being launched in 2022.Adaro said in the filing that separating its core coal business from its expanding minerals and green energy segments will allow it to access more sources of finance. The sale will be conducted as part of a public offering in which shareholders in the parent company may participate. The company has committed to boosting its non-coal revenue to more than half by the end of the decade, and plans to keep output of the fossil fuel flat this year.

(IANS) Indonesia has inaugurated its first electric vehicle (EV) battery factory, which will operate entirely on renewable energy at the Neo Energy Morowali Industrial Estate in Central Sulawesi.Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Saturday that the factory was part of the critical minerals downstream policy aimed at boosting national economic competitiveness, improving public welfare and utilising environmentally friendly technology, Xinhua news agency reported.“Successful downstream processing of nickel has significantly boosted the export value of nickel derivatives, rising from USD 4.31 billion in 2017 to USD 34.44 billion in 2023,” Airlangga said at the event.With abundant mineral resources especially nickel, Indonesia holds substantial potential for EV battery production, with an estimated annual capacity of 210 GWh.The factory’s high-pressure acid-leaching smelter will process nickel ore into mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), a key material for EV battery cathodes, adding 120,000 tons of MHP to the country’s production capacity each year.The Investment Ministry revealed that as of June 2024, the total investment in nickel downstream activities, particularly smelter and EV battery factory development, has reached USD 30 billion in the country.On May 6, Indonesian President Joko Widodo had told the media that the first electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in the country will begin operating in June.Speaking at the EV exhibition of the Indonesian Electric Vehicle Industry Association or Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show in 2024, he emphasised that the factory’s operation signals that the domestic environmentally friendly vehicle ecosystem is starting to form in the country.The factory which is said to be owned by PT Hyundai LG Industry (HLI) Green Power, is located in Karawang, West Java, with a maximum capacity of up to 10 GW per hour and is capable of producing 32.6 million battery units.The Indonesian President said that Indonesia currently hosts 59 electric vehicle manufacturers, with plans for expansion in the pipeline.According to him, with current infrastructure, Indonesia can make up to 1.6 million electrical motorbikes yearly.However, the production of new electric motorbikes is 100,000 motorbikes now, so Indonesia sees room to develop the industry.

Indonesia, with the world's largest nickel reserves, is now at the center of the global industrial spotlight. In addition to nickel, Indonesia also holds significant reserves of another critical mineral—cobalt. These two minerals form the cornerstone of future technological development, particularly in the rapidly growing electric vehicle battery industry.In recent years, nickel has emerged as one of the most sought-after commodities globally. Major corporations, including Tesla, have shown significant interest in nickel, as it is a key material in electric vehicle battery production."Nickel falls into the category of critical minerals, which are essential in shaping the future of technology," said Muhammad Toha, General Manager of Permitting and Compliance at PT Merdeka Copper Gold, during the 2024 Media Mining Workshop in Surabaya, as reported on Saturday (14/9/2024).Merdeka Copper Gold recently acquired a nickel mine in Sulawesi and established Merdeka Battery Materials as part of its broader strategic plan.However, nickel is not the only important mineral in Indonesia. Each time nickel is discovered, cobalt is almost always found alongside it. "Cobalt is a far rarer mineral compared to nickel, and its distribution is very limited. Indonesia is fortunate to have significant cobalt reserves," Toha added.Though less well-known than nickel, cobalt plays an equally important role. It is used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, a key component in many future technologies, from smartphones to electric vehicles. The combination of nickel and cobalt positions Indonesia as a strategically important player in the global technology supply chain.Indonesia holds about 20% of the world's total nickel reserves, followed by Australia and Russia. This advantage makes Indonesia a key player in the global market.In recent years, Indonesia's nickel production has seen a significant increase, making it one of the largest nickel processing countries after China.“Although China is the largest nickel processing producer, they do not have their own nickel reserves. Most of the nickel raw materials they process are imported from countries like Indonesia and the Philippines,” he explained.The demand for nickel and cobalt is expected to continue increasing until 2030. In the past, nickel was primarily used for stainless steel production. However, this trend has shifted with the rising demand for electric vehicles. Advanced electric vehicle batteries require large amounts of nickel and cobalt, making these minerals crucial for the future.Despite this enormous potential, challenges remain. Resistance to mining activities continues to be an issue in some communities. “Opposing mining in extreme terms is akin to rejecting the technology of the future. There can be no technological advancement without critical minerals,” Toha said.However, he also highlighted the importance of strict oversight in the mining industry. "If mining is not properly supervised, the impact can be very damaging. We are committed to being a responsible mining company for a more sustainable future," he added.With the immense potential of nickel and cobalt, Indonesia has a significant opportunity not only to become a key player in the global technology industry but also to enhance the welfare of its people through the wise management of natural resources. These critical minerals are not just about the present—they are about the future of technology and the progress of human civilization.

PT Timah Tbk allocated IDR 37 billion in August 2024 to optimize the management of tin ore resources and reserves both on land and at sea to meet global market demands.“This exploration is not just about discovering new reserves but also a key part of the company’s sustainability strategy,” said PT Timah Tbk’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anggi Siahaan, in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (Babel), on Friday.He explained that PT Timah's exploration activities at sea included exploratory drilling and mine guidance using five drilling vessels.“On land, exploration activities include primary land drilling and topographic surveys,” he added.Anggi emphasized that exploration is a strategic step to ensure the continuity of the mining industry. However, it is not only about expanding production but also about balancing the utilization of natural resources with environmental preservation.“PT Timah is also continuously working to improve exploration, mining, and processing technologies as part of efforts to ensure the company’s sustainability,” he said.He noted that optimal management of tin mineral reserves, adhering to sustainable mining principles, is one way PT Timah can maintain its position as a global tin producer.“As a mining company that represents the nation, PT Timah Tbk conducts integrated mining operations by implementing Good Mining Practices,” Anggi said.He confirmed that the tin ore produced comes from PT Timah Tbk’s Mining Business Permit Area (IUP).

 The Indonesian government is starting to encourage coal downstreaming in the energy transition.The Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, told coal producers that the use of coal as a superior commodity is in line with increasing added value through downstream programs. This can help the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060.Bahlil assured that the government continues to support coal as one of the main commodities. However, he emphasized the importance of a gradual energy transition.“I want to assure all of you that in the future the government will continue to encourage coal as one of the leading commodities in line with the ongoing energy transition. So, you must get sufficient capital first as an instrument to carry out the transition process to green technology. Because if we “Just force it without sufficient capital, we won’t be able to do it,” said Bahlil at the Coaltrans Asia 2024 event in Bali, Monday, September 9 2024.Just as the world community thinks creatively to increase growth without ignoring the global consensus regarding reducing emissions, Indonesia is also committed to reducing emissions to zero by 2060 in stages.“Almost all countries in the world continue to think creatively to create growth without ignoring the global consensus regarding net zero emissions (NZE) which must be implemented by 2050, and Indonesia itself has planned the same thing in 2060 in stages,” stressed Bahlil.Minister Bahlil asked coal producers to start increasing the added value of coal products through downstream programs.“We continue to provide space for national entrepreneurs, especially coal entrepreneurs, to continue mining by paying attention to environmental standards, governance and good community involvement. However, it is hoped that within a certain period of time, they will immediately make the transition because the state cannot do this continuously,” asked Bahlil.Bahlil also revealed that currently Indonesia is encouraging the downstreaming of coal into other products that have added value, such as Dimethyl Ether (DME), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and fertilizer raw materials.“For coal in the future, we will not only export raw materials, but also encourage DME as a substitute for LPG. Because LPG imports reach 6 million tonnes per year, one of the raw materials to replace LPG is coal through DME, as well as as a raw material for fertilizer ,” said Bahlil.As one of the largest coal producers in the world, Indonesia contributes significantly to state income. In 2023, coal production will reach 775.2 million tons with total exports of 518.05 million tons. Based on the published Work Plan and Budget, coal production this year is estimated to reach 900 million tons.The Indonesian government itself has offered cooperation to the Chinese government to develop and increase the added value of coal in the form of other products, such as coal quality improvement (coal upgrading), coal briquetting, coke making and coal liquefaction. 

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga and mining company PT Vale Indonesia have formed a partnership to provide hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an eco-friendly fuel alternative.The partnership aims to support Indonesia's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through decarbonization efforts, according to Riva Siahaan, CEO of Pertamina Patra Niaga, a subsidiary of state-owned energy company Pertamina."This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions through the use of clean energy with HVO," Siahaan said in a statement on Monday.HVO, an environmentally friendly fuel, has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent.Pertamina Patra Niaga offers integrated energy solutions, including Pertamina One Solution, to meet the needs of various business partners, such as Vale Indonesia.These solutions include cleaner fuels, efficient logistics, and infrastructure support to ensure that businesses operate optimally and sustainably.As part of the partnership, both companies will jointly implement a community empowerment program to strengthen their environmental, social, and governance practices.The program aims to help create a positive and sustainable impact on the local community and promote social and environmental responsibility in collaboration with the Pertamina Foundation.Vale Indonesia CEO Febriany Eddy stated that this strategic partnership aligns with her company's decarbonization roadmap.She emphasized the importance of this collaboration in helping her company achieve and improve sustainability standards and reduce carbon emissions across its operations.She noted that products and services from Pertamina Patra Niaga would be invaluable in Vale Indonesia's decarbonization efforts.