A nickel-based processing and refining site or smelter will soon be built in Balikpapan City and Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province. The investment value of the project reaches IDR 36.5 trillion.Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan Province Hadi Mulyadi explained that the first nickel smelter factory was in Balikpapan City, precisely in the Kariangau area with an investment of IDR 6.5 trillion by PT Mitra Murni Perkasa (MMP).Furthermore, the second smelter factory is located in Penjangan, Sanga Sanga District, Kutai Kartanegara with an investment of IDR 30 trillion by PT Kalimantan Ferro Industry (KFI)."We believe that the existence of this smelter factory will be able to improve the welfare of the people of East Kalimantan and even Indonesia. From East Kalimantan for Indonesia," said Hadi as quoted by Antara, Tuesday (12/9).For the Matte Nickel Smelter factory in West Balikpapan, construction has begun, marked by the laying of the first stone by the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. The plan is that this factory will process battery raw materials.Meanwhile, for the smelter factory in Kukar, construction will be inaugurated in the near future."We are sure that the community and government will fully support the interests and progress of East Kalimantan and Indonesia," he said.Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that the construction of the Matte Nickel Smelter is supporting the battery industry in Indonesia."This MMP investment is 100% domestic capital investment. With the hope of realizing a downstream industry that is useful and supports the development of the national battery industry," he explained."The target is that by the end of 2024 the factory construction will be completed, operations will continue, as well as the development of derivatives and national battery production," he explained.Image source: ANTARA FOTO/JOJON/SPT.Source:  www.katadata.co.id/Nickel Smelter Investment in East Kalimantan Reaches IDR 36.5 Trillion

PT Mineral Industri Indonesia (Persero) or MIND ID has collaborated with an African company, namely the State Mining Corporation (Stamico) to manage tin.Stamico is a government-owned company under the Ministry of Minerals and Coal owned by the state of Tanzania.MIND ID Director of Portfolio and Business Development, Dilo Seno Widagdo said that this collaboration was carried out when his party was part of the Indonesian government's entourage on its visit to Africa."Mind ID participated in the visiting group to Africa, and collaborated with Stamico," said Dilo to Bisnis, Monday (4/9/2023)Dilo said that there were several memorandums of understanding (MoU) related to cooperation for several critical minerals. One of the priority critical minerals is Tin.Furthermore, Dilo said that currently the cooperation between the two companies is still in further discussion."Yesterday we signed the MOU in Tanzania, now we are continuing discussions," he said.MIND ID's collaboration with African companies was first revealed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.Luhut said that during Indonesia's visit to Africa, this BUMN subholding collaborated in the mining sector."Then there is mining, MIND ID comes in. MIND ID comes in from the gold. "Then they also saw rare earth," said Luhut, quoted from his personal Instagram, Monday (4/9/2023).Image source: mind.idSource: www.ekonomi.bisnis.com/MIND ID Gandeng Perusahaan BUMN Tanzania Untuk Kelola Timah

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) revealed that the company has supplied domestic coal needs or Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) reaching 10.3 million tons during Semester I-2023.PTBA Corporate Secretary Niko Chandra said that his party had supplied DMO coal up to 10.3 million tons as of June 2023."PTBA's DMO realization as of June 2023 is 10.3 million tons," Niko explained to CNBC Indonesia, Monday (4/9/2023).He said that this was the company's commitment to maintaining national energy security."We continue to be committed to maintaining national energy security," he added.As is known, one of PTBA's coal DMOs is supplied for the needs of the PLTU owned by PT PLN (Persero). Niko said that currently his party is still supplying coal to PLN in normal quantities.Although, currently PLTU Suralaya Units 1-4 in Banten which is managed by PLN's subsidiary, PT Indonesia Power, with a capacity of 4 x 400 Mega Watt (MW) is being shut down to reduce pollution in DKI Jakarta and its surroundings."The supply of coal from PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) to PT PLN (Persero) has so far been normal,""With the decommissioning of the Suralaya PLTU since August 28, up to now there has been no impact on PTBA," he explained.For information, PTBA's total coal production in Semester I 2023 reached 18.8 million tons, growing 18% compared to the same period in 2022 which amounted to 15.9 million tons.This increase in production led to an increase in coal sales volume by 19% to 17.4 million tons. In the first semester of 2023, the Company recorded export sales of 7.1 million tonnes, an increase of 37% compared to the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, the realization of Domestic Market Obligations (DMO) was recorded at 57%.Image source: PTBA/Bukitasam.co.idSource: www.cnbcindonesia.com/Semester I 2023 PTBA Jual 103 Juta TonBatu Bara Ke Domestik

Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), revealed that Indonesia is expected to start producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries in 2027.This was stated by the Deputy Minister of BUMN I, Kartiko Wirjoatmodjo (Tiko). He said that currently Indonesia has started processing nickel ore in the manufacturing sector to become one of the main materials in making EV batteries.In this way, Tiko said that Indonesia is expected to start producing EV batteries in 2027."We previously exported a lot of ore (nickel) and will now move into manufacturing exports. Hopefully in 2027 we will be able to produce batteries for domestic and for export as well," said Tiko to CNBC Indonesia in the BUMN Performance Report 2023 program, quoted Monday (4/9/2023).What is clear, said Tiko, is that Indonesia is currently working with the world's largest EV battery companies, namely CATL from China and LG from South Korea who are working with PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM)."We at MIND ID and Antam have collaborated with CATL and LG on how to build this battery ecosystem starting from upstream mining on the smelter side to the battery side," he explained.The government is also accelerating the process of cooperation between parties to make major changes in the transformation of minerals, especially into domestic EV battery products."We are pushing for this to be accelerated with CATL and this can be one of the big changes in mineral transformation," he said.On the other hand, the BUMN Mining Holding MIND ID previously stated that it would build an electric vehicle battery factory with a capacity of 15 Giga Watt (GW) in 2027. The project is predicted to require an investment of US$ 12 billion or Rp 183 trillion.Main Director of MIND ID Hendi Prio Santoso said that his party has now started to make several breakthroughs to boost the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia. One of them is by collaborating with a company from China, CATL through PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) to develop electric vehicle batteries in Indonesia."The plan is 15 GW until 2027. (Investment needs) US$ 12 billion," he said when met after the SOE-Private Synergy Forum, in Jakarta, Monday (14/8/2023).However, Hendi said that the production of electric vehicle batteries in Indonesia must also be balanced in terms of domestic absorption. "But of course we must also participate in market development. This means that four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles must first be available in Indonesia," he added.Hendi acknowledged that there is still a lot of homework to be completed in encouraging the electric vehicle ecosystem in the country. The reason is, it's not just limited to batteries, there are many other components needed to make the use of electric vehicles successful in the country.He also admitted that he was wide open if other private companies in the country wanted to be involved in the project to accelerate the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia. Considering that this project covers from upstream to downstream."We need partners, including private partners who can provide mining services and then exploration services," he said.Image source: Harita Group Pulau ObiSource:  www.cnbcindonesia.com/RI Preparing to Start EVDi Battery Production in 2027

PT Samindo Resources Tbk, a coal mining service provider company, recorded positive performance throughout the first half of 2023. The company managed to record a profit of USD 8.3 million (around IDR124.5 billion) or an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year, supported by on the non-operational side, namely the increase in interest income on time deposits and gains from the exchange rate."At the beginning of 2023, the rupiah exchange rate had exceeded the level of IDR 15,500. Entering the second quarter of 2023, the rupiah exchange rate was relatively more stable and was at the level of IDR 15,000," said the Corporate Secretary of PT Samindo Resources, to reporters in Jakarta.Zaki said that in general mining conditions in the January-June 2023 period were quite challenging, especially from weather conditions which were very difficult to predict. During this period, rainfall relatively increased compared to last year, especially in the first quarter of 2023.“Actually, the Company has faced quite an extreme rainy season last year. However, in the first quarter to the second quarter of 2023, rainfall continues to increase compared to last year. This condition is the main obstacle to operational activities in the first semester of 2023," he said.In semester II 2023 management has prepared various strategies to catch up in the first semester. Management focuses on increasing the productivity of overburden removal activities. "We believe that good planning and commitment to the best will drive the Company's performance in the second half of 2023," he said.This year Samindo targets overburden removal of 35.35 million bcm, an increase of 6.70% compared to 2022 of 33.23 million bcm. Coal production is projected to fall 32.35% to 6.44 million tonnes from 9.53 million tonnes. Meanwhile, coal hauling is projected at 24 million tonnes, down 11.44$ from 27.10 million tonnes and exploration drilling reaching 28.63 thousand meters, up 6.79% from 26.81% (year on year).The company's revenue is projected to decrease to 5.12% from USD141.5 million to USD 141.5 million and net profit after tax to USD12.72 million, down 9.8% compared to 2022 which was recorded at USD14 million.Samindo is an investment holding company with core competencies in providing coal mining services in terms of overburden removal and coal getting, coal hauling and geological mapping and drilling. As an investment holding company, the Company carries out these four production activities through four subsidiaries, namely PT SIMS Jaya Kaltim, PT Trasindo Murni Perkasa, PT Samindo Utama Kaltim and PT Mintec Abadi.Image source: IstimewaSource: www.investor.id/Semesteri Samindo Raih Laba Rp 1245 M

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has a gold production target of 1.8 million ounces by the end of 2023. PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said that currently the company has succeeded in producing 881 thousand ounces of gold.Tony also said that during HI 2023, he had succeeded in producing 735 million pounds of copper from the target of 1.6 billion pounds."We are performing quite well in terms of production. Copper 735 million pounds and gold 881 thousand ounces. 735 million pounds of the 1.6 billion pound plan, so roughly half, looks on target. "If gold is 881 thousand ounces from the target of 1.8 or 1.9 million ounces, this is still in line with our forecast or even more," explained Tony, quoted Friday (1/9/2023).Furthermore, Tony said, his party hopes that by the end of 2023, the sales target of gold of up to 1.8 million ounces and copper of up to 1.6 billion pounds can be achieved."It is hoped that by the full year we will be able to achieve sales of 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 1.8 million ounces of gold. Stay on target," he added.It is known that Freeport's gold production during January-March 2023 was recorded at 402 thousand ounces and gold sales were recorded at 266 thousand ounces. The average price of gold in the first quarter of 2023 is US$ 1,949 per ounce.Meanwhile, Freeport's copper production was recorded at 329 million pounds during the first quarter of 2023 and copper sales reached 198 million pounds. The average selling price for copper is around US$ 4.07 per pound."The level of ore processing from PTFI's underground mines averaged 164,800 metric tons of ore per day in the first quarter of 2023. PTFI targets the ore processing rate to exceed 200 thousand metric tons per day for the remainder of 2023," said Chairman & CEO of Freeport McMoran Richard C. Adkerson some time ago.Please note, since 2018, Indonesia has officially become the majority shareholder of PT Freeport Indonesia amounting to 51.2% through the MIND ID Mining BUMN Holding.The acquisition value to become Freeport's majority shareholder reached US$ 3.85 billion or the equivalent of IDR 55.8 trillion at that time. This acquisition marks an increase in Indonesian ownership in PTFI from only 9.36% to 51.23%.Image source: www.bicaraindonesia.netSource:  www.talkindonesia.net/Freeport Indonesia Targets 18 Million Tons of Gold Production in 2023

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stipulates the Work Plan and Expenditure Budget (RKAB) for mineral and coal mining companies to be valid for three years, from the current one year.This change is related to the Attorney's steps in naming a number of suspects, including the former Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources with the initials RD who was implicated in a corruption case related to the RKAB determination.ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif said the RKAB applies to mining companies entering the production phase. He emphasized that the implementation of this new provision will start next year. "Formerly the RKAB for production is now given 3 years every year," said Arifin in Jakarta, Thursday (31/08/2023).Arifin said, another arrangement is by applying information technology in the process of ratifying the RKAB. This effort is expected to accelerate the ratification of the RKAB and be transparent. He said the improvement of information technology continues to be accelerated because it is targeted to be implemented next year.It is said, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources handles 6,000 RKAB submissions annually after the stipulation of Law no. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. The regulation allows the authority of the local government to be transferred to the central government in ratifying the RKAB. Arifin said the ESDM Ministry had tried to speed up the process by simplifying the requirements. "We have simplified the 27 requirements into 5," he said.Separately, the Chairman of the Indonesian Mining & Energy Forum (IMEF) Singgih Widagdo said that the complexity of managing the mining industry is currently very hard to deal with as it is solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The presence of laws and policies in integrating and coordinating the interests of the Government, Corporations and the People, often creates a conflict of interest itself.The legal issues that must be faced by various officials in various echelons of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, make it clear and show that managing the mining industry in this political space becomes very complex. Accelerating and facilitating a policy to manage various interests in the mining industry can actually be a potential violation of the law for the officials concerned in the future."If this condition is neglected, without substantial improvement, IMEF estimates that there will be a slowdown in investment in the mining sector which will have an impact on reducing state revenues, employment and development equity, as well as economic growth in the next few years," he said.Singgih said the three-year RKAB was the right step. From the corporate side, investment and return can be calculated more measurably. This applies to mining companies and mining service companies. As for the government, it can optimize the management of national production in the context of export and domestic markets.However, Singgih reminded the government that in determining national production, they should first consider the map of potential commodity markets, especially coal. Taking into account market parameters, production capacity, geological and mining conditions as well as environmental aspects, it forms the basis for awarding the RKAB."Integration of the various parameters that are currently managed by the central government will actually be more optimal in managing natural resources in maintaining the balance of the export market, DMO needs," he said.Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) Hendra Sinadia said that his party had not officially proposed ratification of the RKAB every three years. APBI is waiting for the latest policy made by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. "We are waiting for further policies from the Government, including if later the RKAB is 3 years, whether proposed changes can be made every year or what it is," he said.Image source: IstimewaSource: www.investor.id/Mulai Tahun Depan RKAB Minerba Berlaku Tiga Tahun

Thiess has been awarded an A$240 million nickel mining contract with PT Halmahera Sukses Mineral, marking Thiess’ second successful venture in the Indonesian nickel market this year and reflecting its capability to deliver world-class mining solutions for the metals industry.During this 3.5 year contract, Thiess will deliver full mining operations including mine development, haul road construction, ore loading and hauling. The mine is situated in Central Halmahera, North Maluku, just 6 km from another Thiess operation, therefore consolidating its regional footprint and operational efficiency.Thiess Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “We are excited by this new contract award, which underscores Thiess’ expertise and strong track record in the Indonesian mining industry. It reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, sustainable, and innovative solutions to our clients while contributing to the growth of Indonesia’s nickel industry, a metal critical to enabling the global energy transition.”Thiess Group Executive – Asia Cluny Randell said: “This contract win aligns with Thiess’ strategy to diversify our commodities portfolio. Our focus on safety, technological advancement, and inclusion sets us apart. We are excited to continue building strong partnerships in the Indonesian nickel sector.”The mining services major adds: “In line with Thiess’ commitment to health and safety, comprehensive measures will be put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the team. Further, Thiess will continue its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion by launching its female operator training program, aimed at fostering greater female participation in the mining workforce. The company remains committed to operational excellence and contributing positively to the communities and environments in which it operates.”Image source: Paul MooreSource: www.im mining.com/Thiess Awarded Second Indonesian Nickel Mining Contract

Nickel Industries Limited won the TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 in the Nickel company category with the title Sustainability . Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Tren Media Berjejaring Sukirno explained that this award is given to companies that are committed to implementing business principles that focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects ."Congratulations to Nickel Industries Limited for winning the 2023 TrenAsia ESG Award in the Nickel company category. "Hopefully this award can be a motivation and example for other companies in Indonesia," he said shortly after giving awards to the winners at the Raffles Jakarta Hotel, Wednesday, August 30 2023.Nickel Industries Limited is committed to not causing negative impacts on the environment and to creating a positive legacy throughout its operational areas, from the exploration stage to the rehabilitation and closure process.Nickel Industries Limited Sustainability Manager Muchtazar said the TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 provides a comprehensive assessment of a company's sustainability performance from a multi-stakeholder perspective, such as government representatives, business actors, academics, media, as well as experts and practitioners in the field of ESG. "Therefore, the award we received is very important to increase the credibility of the company's sustainability programs," said Muchtazar in an interview with TrenAsia .Muchtazar revealed that ESG is very essential for the continuity of the company's operations. It is known that nickel-producing companies are needed for the manufacture of stainless steel materials, batteries , and environmentally friendly technologies. Nickel Industries Limited wants to prove that a responsible and environmentally friendly nickel mining and processing process can be carried out. This is to support business partners, customers and company shareholders to collaborate further. Without strong ESG implementation, Muchtazar said that the benefits of nickel cannot be felt optimally by industry and society."We thank TrenAsia for organizing this event and hope that a similar event can be held again in the coming years," he said.Meanwhile , Expert Council of the National Committee for Governance Policy (KNKG) Mas Achmad Daniri believes that with ESG practices, companies are not only oriented towards pursuing profits and large returns, but focus on how these profits have a positive impact on the environment and society. This is also proven by companies that have prioritized ESG, are more resilient and able to provide sustainable investment results .The TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 jury team consists of Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) and Deputy Chairperson Deputy Chairperson of the Coordinator for Maritime, Investment and Foreign Affairs of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mas Achmad Daniri, Expert Council of the National Committee on Governance Policy (KNKG); Maria Rosaline Nindita Radyati, President Director of the Institute for Sustainability & Agility ; and Adhitya Noviardi, Editor-in-Chief of TrenAsia.com.The TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 has screened more than 115 companies in 29 industrial subsectors, which were assessed based on ESG implementation and its derivative variables. The judging process starts from June to August 2023, based on the company's sustainability reports and annual reports for the 2021 and 2022 periods.Image source: TrenAsiaSource: www.trenasia.com/Hengjaya Mineralindo Menangkan Tren Asia ESG Award 2023 Kategori Perusahaan Nikel

PT Bumi Resources Tbk (BUMI) won a prestigious award, in the category of Coal Champion for ESG & Sustainability Business Principles TrenAsia 2023.BUMI President Director, Adika Nuraga Bakrie emphasized that his party would like to express its gratitude for the prestigious Coal Champion for Sustainability award in the 2023 ESG Award."BUMI's commitment with business units has always supported government programs in the success of SDG's activities. The commitment made by the company is not just a program, but has become a core business competency that has been embedded in BUMI and its business units," said Adika in a statement, Monday, 4 September 2023.Therefore, Adika ensures that BUMI will be able to implement best practices, and contribute to creating independence in society.This will of course also contribute directly to the realization of the SDGs and aspects of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as stated in Law no. 40 of 2007 concerning Limited Liability Companies."Through good mining practices, we want to grow, develop and be sustainable with the surrounding community at our operational locations," said Adika."We believe we can achieve this through good corporate governance, transparent monitoring of system operations, and public concern for food security, agribusiness, water and waste management," he said.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT TrenMedia Berjejaring, Sukirno said, this award is given to companies that are committed to implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) business principles."Congratulations to Bumi Resources for winning the TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 in the coal company category. Hopefully this award can be a motivation and example for other companies in Indonesia," said Sukirno."We believe we can achieve this through good corporate governance, transparent monitoring of system operations, and public concern for food security, agribusiness, water and waste management," he said.Congratulations to Bumi Resources for winning the TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 in the coal company category. Hopefully this award can be a motivation and example for other companies in Indonesia," said Sukirno.Image source: Bumi Resources documentation.Source: www.viva.co.id/Bumi Raih Penghargaan Coal Champion for ESG AMP Sustainability Business Principles 2023