The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has announced the completion of five integrated mineral smelter projects in 2023, marking significant progress in the country’s mineral industry.
The government initially set a target to construct seven integrated mineral smelters throughout the year. “By the end of 2023, we achieved five units out of the seven smelter unit targets,” stated Bambang Suswantono, Acting Director of Mineral and Coal.
Completed Smelter Projects
The completed projects include:
– PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) smelter in Pomalaa, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.
– PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) smelter in South Sulawesi.
– PT Wanatiara Persada smelter in North Maluku.
– PT Weda Bay Nickel smelter in North Maluku.
– PT Fajar Bhakti Lintas Nusantara smelter also in North Maluku.
Ongoing Projects
Two smelter projects are still under development:
– The Haltim Ferronickel Plant Development Project (P3FH) by ANTM in North Maluku, currently at 99.9% completion and moving into the power plant construction auction stage.
– PT Sebuku Iron Lateritic Ores smelter in South Kalimantan, which has reached 90.24% completion.
2024 Targets and Downstreaming Impact
Looking forward, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources aims to launch the construction of 16 smelter units in 2024. This aligns with Indonesia’s ongoing efforts in downstreaming, which has been a key factor in sustaining the country’s trade surplus for consecutive months. 
