Antam-pln Strategic Collaboration Promotes Mineral Downstreaming

IQPlus, (29/10) - PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) continues to strengthen its position in supporting mineral downstreaming through strategic cooperation with PT PLN (Persero). In this collaboration, PLN provides an electricity supply of 150 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) for the ANTAM Ferronickel Smelter located in Pomalaa District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

The electricity supply from PLN will enable ANTAM to switch from using fossil fuel power plants, in line with the company's commitment to increasing the use of more environmentally friendly energy and supporting the national decarbonization program.

The ANTAM Ferronickel Smelter managed by the Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit (UBP) is one of the key facilities in the mineral downstreaming chain. Through this collaboration, the factory, which has a production capacity of 27,000 tons of nickel in ferronickel (TNi) per year, is expected to operate more optimally and efficiently to meet market demand, most of which is intended for export.

ANTAM President Director Nico Kanter in a press release (10/28) explained that the collaboration with PLN not only increases operational efficiency, but also supports the Company's efforts in carrying out technological transformation and reducing carbon emissions.

"This collaboration is a real step in implementing BUMN synergy in supporting downstreaming with the use of more environmentally friendly energy. The benefits of this collaboration are not only felt by both parties, but also for national efforts towards net zero emissions by 2060," said Nico.

One of the important benefits of this collaboration is the connection of the electricity network from renewable energy sources. Nico explained that in the initial stage in 2025 ANTAM plans to use electricity with renewable energy through a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) purchase scheme of 112,940 REC units per year or equivalent to 112.9 Megawatt Hour (MWH).

"This step is one of ANTAM's contributions in supporting the energy transition with the use of environmentally friendly energy, while ensuring that the ferronickel smelter in Kolaka can operate with clean energy," he added.

PLN itself, stated its commitment to fully support the electricity needs of the smelter industry. PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo said, the smelter is one of the strategic projects to support mineral downstreaming in Indonesia. Therefore, PLN is committed to meeting electricity needs and providing the best service for the smelter industry.

"The smelter industry requires a very large amount of electricity and PLN is ready to fulfill it with a reliable, quality, and competitively priced electricity supply. PLN is also ready to complement the needs of the industrial sector by providing innovative and environmentally friendly products and services," said Darmawan.

He added that his party is ready to supply the electricity needs of the ANTAM smelter in Kolaka through the PLN Main Distribution Unit of South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi (UID Sulselrabar) and guarantee a clean electricity supply in Sulselrabar in sufficient condition with a renewable energy generation rate of 45.78%, one of the highest in Indonesia.

This collaboration is not only beneficial for both BUMNs, but also creates a positive impact on the local and national economy. ANTAM's ferronickel smelter in Kolaka is one of the strategic projects that is in line with the government's efforts to encourage mineral downstreaming and create a multiplier effect through investment in the industrial and renewable energy sectors.

With this collaboration, ANTAM is increasingly confident in strengthening its contribution to the national economy, especially in the mineral sector, as well as in efforts to transition to greener and more sustainable energy. (end)