Freeport Reaches Full Mine Recovery, Eyes IDR 100 Trillion Contribution to Indonesia
Freeport Reaches Full Mine Recovery, Eyes IDR 100 Trillion Contribution to Indonesia
21 Aug 2026, 04:34 PM 454

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) projects its annual contribution to the state could exceed IDR 100 trillion once mine production fully recovers. Mine operations are expected to return to 100% of normal capacity by the end of 2027.PTFI President Director Tony Wenas explained that restoring mine operations following the wet material landslide incident in September 2025 will still take time. He stressed that production capacity is being increased gradually, with operations targeted to reach 65% of normal levels by the end of 2026.“Next year, [our contribution to the state] will certainly be higher because in the first half of 2027 we should be able to reach 75%, and by the end of next year we are aiming for 100%. Once we reach 100%, our contribution to the state could be exceptionally large, exceeding IDR 100 trillion, possibly around IDR 120 trillion per year,” he said in Tembagapura, Central Papua, as part of CNBC Indonesia’s Mining Zone program, as quoted on Friday (August 21, 2026).The projection of an increase in annual contributions to IDR 120 trillion, equivalent to USD 7 billion, once full production capacity is restored is based on the assumption that global copper and gold prices remain stable.In addition to direct payments to the central government, the contribution includes revenue-sharing funds for regional governments in Central Papua province.“In 2028, based on our current forecast, with the benchmark mineral prices we are using of USD 6 per pound for copper and USD 4,500 per ounce for gold, we could contribute more than USD 7 billion to the state,” he said.Although production has yet to return to optimal levels, the company still projects its contribution to state coffers in 2026 at around Rp47 trillion through tax payments, dividends and royalties.“This year, we are in recovery mode, so production is only around 65%. Even so, we will still contribute approximately Rp47 trillion to the state, according to our projections for this year,” he said.To achieve full operational capacity, the company is continuing to accelerate the removal of wet mud material, which is currently 84% complete. The company is also making technical modifications to a number of mining equipment units to improve their reliability in supporting the planned increase in production.“Our focus is not only on this year, but also on the long term, especially since our [operating] license has been officially extended beyond 2041,” he concluded.

Vale Indonesia Plans USD 450 Million Investment in Renewable Energy
Vale Indonesia Plans USD 450 Million Investment in Renewable Energy
20 Aug 2026, 04:38 PM 345

The need for large amounts of energy is one of the challenges mining companies face as they expand their businesses. PT Vale Indonesia Tbk has opted to develop renewable energy to meet its mining operations’ energy needs, with an investment of more than USD 450 million.Vale Indonesia Director and Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Budiansyah said the company had previously been faced with the option of using cheaper energy sources to meet its mining operations’ needs, including coal, which was considered capable of generating hundreds of megawatts of power. However, the company chose to develop renewable energy as part of its long-term strategy.“The company decided to develop renewable energy by utilizing the remaining potential or studies on the possibility of generating energy,” he said at the launch of Bank DBS Indonesia’s research titled Identifying Challenges and Strategic Steps Toward Sustainable Transition in Five Key Sectors in Jakarta on Thursday, August 20, 2026.Environmental and water management challengesBudi added that mining companies also face environmental challenges. According to him, nickel and coal mining use open-cast mining methods, which require large-scale land clearing.Therefore, the company continues to conduct mining activities while taking the environment and water resource management into account amid changing market conditions.“The challenge is how we can move forward while addressing environmental aspects, water resource management, and, at the same time, dealing with market dynamics,” he said.He noted that mining products remain part of various human needs. Therefore, the challenge is to ensure that mining activities are carried out properly and responsibly.

ESDM Rolls Out RKAB Approvals for Nickel and Coal Miners
ESDM Rolls Out RKAB Approvals for Nickel and Coal Miners
19 Aug 2026, 04:32 PM 1132

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) claims it has begun approving a number of applications to revise the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for coal and nickel commodities.Director General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Tri Winarno said around a dozen nickel companies and a dozen coal companies have received approval for their 2026 RKAB revisions.However, Tri declined to disclose the additional production volume quotas approved for coal and nickel.“There are, several [applications for RKAB revisions have been approved]. I don’t know the exact number. Maybe around that many [around a dozen companies each for coal and nickel],” Tri told reporters after the IIGCE 2026 event in South Jakarta on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).Tri indicated that several mines that had previously halted operations due to RKAB-related issues may now resume operations. However, he did not disclose the names of the mining companies.Previously, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stressed that the granting of mining production quotas under the 2026 RKAB revisions would be carried out in a measured manner.He said the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources would take domestic demand into account while also considering supply and demand conditions, which would affect global commodity prices.“As I said, we are carrying out the RKAB process very carefully, taking supply and demand into consideration. If we do not handle it carefully today, prices could be corrected downward. So, regarding the RKAB, we are implementing measured relaxation,” Bahlil said at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office on Monday (August 3, 2026).However, Bahlil declined to provide information on the projected additional production quotas to be granted by the government under the 2026 RKAB revisions.Bahlil stressed that the information could affect movements in global markets and commodity prices, particularly for coal and nickel ore.“There are [changes to production quotas in the 2026 RKAB], but don’t ask me how much the changes are, because once I disclose that, prices could become volatile again,” Bahlil said.In addition, Bahlil said the allocation of production quotas also takes into account their contribution to state revenues.According to Bahlil, the government prioritizes RKAB approvals for mining companies that pay royalties at higher rates. This allows the government to optimize state revenues while maintaining production levels.“Take this as an example. If one company produces 1 billion tons and contributes IDR 120 trillion in non-tax state revenue (PNBP), while another produces 800 million tons but contributes IDR 130 trillion in PNBP, which one would you choose? Which is better? Say there are 10 companies, three of which pay a 19% royalty and seven pay, say, 11%. Which companies would you prioritize? That is the logic,” Bahlil explained.Regarding RKAB revisions, under Energy and Mineral Resources Ministerial Regulation No. 17/2025, mining companies may apply for changes to their RKAB after submitting periodic reports through the second quarter, or no later than July 31 of the current year.Mining industry players are still waiting for the government to evaluate and approve the RKAB revisions they submitted last month.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has cut this year’s coal production target under the 2026 RKAB. Coal production under the 2026 RKAB has been set at around 600 million tons, down from actual production of 817.48 million tons in 2025.Nickel ore production under the 2026 RKAB has been set at between 260 million and 270 million tons. This represents a significant decline from the previous year’s RKAB target of 379 million tons.Regarding the nickel RKAB revision, reports had emerged that PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) had received approval for a 2026 RKAB revision, with an additional production quota of around 25 million tons.Djoko Widajatno, a member of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI), said he had received information that PT WBN had been granted an additional 25 million-ton nickel ore production quota.As a result, PT WBN’s production quota under the RKAB could potentially increase to 37 million tons from the previous 12 million tons.“There are indications that PT WBN could receive an additional 25 million tons in production quota, with other companies potentially receiving similar increases. However, APNI has yet to receive any official notification from either the government or the company,” Djoko said when contacted on Thursday (August 6, 2026).Responding to the matter, Bahlil only said that his ministry had not increased PT WBN’s nickel ore production quota. “Not yet, not yet, there is no [additional 25 million-ton RKAB quota] yet,” Bahlil said when met by reporters at the State Palace on Thursday (Aug. 6, 2026).

Sumbawa Timur Mining’s Onto Project Could Rival Freeport Indonesia Grasberg
Sumbawa Timur Mining’s Onto Project Could Rival Freeport Indonesia Grasberg
14 Aug 2026, 04:02 PM 590

Sumbawa Timur Mining’s Onto project in West Nusa Tenggara is still under exploration, with its copper-gold resource estimated at more than 2 billion tons.Indonesia still has significant untapped gold potential across several regions, with one exploration-stage project in West Nusa Tenggara potentially holding a larger gold resource than PT Freeport Indonesia’s Grasberg operation in Central Papua, according to the Indonesian Mining Institute (IMI).Indonesian Mining Institute Chairman Irwandy Arif said the potential highlights the scale of Indonesia’s remaining mineral resources and the need for continued exploration to identify new mining deposits.One of the projects highlighted by Irwandy is the Hu’u Project, operated by PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) in Hu’u District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.“Its potential is still very large. In West Nusa Tenggara, we have Sumbawa Timur Mining. Its reserves could potentially exceed those of Freeport. We have also identified the same mineralization corridor in that area, although it was known before,” Irwandy said at the Mindialogue 2026 event in Jakarta, as quoted Thursday (August 13).STM is currently exploring the Onto copper-gold deposit, which forms part of its Hu’u Project. The project remains in the development stage and has not yet entered commercial production. Vale Base Metals describes Hu’u as a tier-one copper-gold development district, with the Onto deposit discovered in 2013 and currently progressing through a pre-feasibility study.STM’s own data estimates the Onto deposit contains more than 2 billion tons of mineral resources. The company says the project is one of the world’s major copper-gold discoveries and remains open laterally and at depth.STM has held a seventh-generation Contract of Work for the Hu’u area since 1998. Exploration activities began in 2010, while the Onto deposit was discovered in 2013. The company subsequently entered the pre-feasibility study stage in 2019.STM is majority-owned by Vale through Eastern Star Resources, which holds 80%, while state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) owns the remaining 20%.The company has continued to advance the project toward feasibility. Local government officials said in April 2026 that STM had entered the feasibility-study stage as part of preparations for eventual production.The scale of the Onto resource has attracted attention because the deposit contains both copper and gold. A 2021 resource estimate cited by Petromindo put the total mineral resource at around 2.1 billion tons, comprising 1.1 billion tons of indicated resources and 1 billion tons of inferred resources.The project is therefore not yet comparable to an operating mine in terms of proven production or commercially recoverable reserves. Its potential will depend on the completion of further exploration, feasibility studies, permitting and eventual mine development.Freeport Indonesia, meanwhile, operates the Grasberg mining complex in Central Papua, one of the world’s largest copper and gold mining operations.The comparison made by IMI therefore refers specifically to the potential scale of STM’s gold resources relative to Freeport Indonesia’s operations in Papua, rather than to Freeport’s global parent company.The Hu’u Project is currently being advanced as a future copper-gold mining operation, with STM continuing technical studies and exploration before any final investment and construction decisions are made.

Vale’s Pomalaa HPAL Nickel Smelter Project Completed, Commissioning Set to Begin
Vale’s Pomalaa HPAL Nickel Smelter Project Completed, Commissioning Set to Begin
14 Aug 2026, 03:34 PM 904

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. (INCO) announced that construction of the nickel smelter infrastructure at the Pomalaa Block has been completed. The company is now awaiting initial testing before proceeding to the commissioning stage.Vale Director and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Budiawansyah explained that the high-pressure acid leach (HPAL)-based hydrometallurgical smelter in Pomalaa has entered the mechanical completion stage, with construction reaching 100%.Budiawansyah said the inauguration and commissioning of the HPAL smelter at the Pomalaa Block are still awaiting the final testing stage.“In the context of mechanical completion, it has been completed, it’s already 100%. Mechanical completion means the construction process has been mechanically completed; what remains is testing and commissioning,” Budiawansyah said at a media briefing in South Jakarta on Thursday (August 13, 2026).“It won’t take long [for the testing]. As for the celebration, it’s just a matter of when we want to hold it. What matters is that the physical facility is ready to operate,” he stressed.Budi explained that the Pomalaa smelter has a production capacity of around 120,000 tons of nickel content in mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), requiring 21 million tons of limonite ore per year and 720,000 tons of saprolite per year.He said the Pomalaa smelter is expected to absorb around 10,679 workers during the construction stage and 3,017 workers during operations.The total investment is estimated at USD 3.4 billion, with Vale partnering with Huayou and Ford in the construction of the smelter.Meanwhile, the mine at the Pomalaa Block has been operating since the first quarter of 2026, with annual production of around 7 million tons of saprolite ore and 21 million tons of limonite ore. Currently, production from the Pomalaa mine has reached 2 million tons of saprolite and 2.1 million tons of limonite.Previously, Budi indicated that the company was targeting the domestic electric vehicle (EV) battery market, as the HPAL smelter in Pomalaa is set to begin operations in the third quarter of 2026.Budi said the company is currently focused on completing the project’s construction, including exploring potential product uptake with business partners.However, he said the project could become an important part of establishing a domestic EV battery industry ecosystem.Moreover, the intermediate product produced, MHP, is an initial raw material in the EV battery supply chain.“Regarding the offtaker, we are focused on delivering the project because, basically, we are discussing with our partners and also where we will take this downstreaming process. Because, fundamentally, the government wants to see the formation of an industrial ecosystem [for EV batteries] domestically,” Budiawansyah told the media in mid-March.“Because we see that the MHP-based EV supply chain is still quite long from MHP to battery packing. So, in any case, we are coordinating with the government on how to continue realizing an integrated battery ecosystem in Indonesia,” he stressed.On February 28, 2026, Vale sold the first nickel ore from the mine at the project. The company is targeting production of 300,000 tons of limonite per month, or around 9,677 tons per day.On the other hand, the IGP Morowali smelter project has entered the operational progress stage. The Bahodopi Block, covering 22,699 hectares, reportedly began operations in the first quarter of 2025.For the mining sector, Phase 1 construction has reached 100%, and the company is now focused on preparing for the completion of Phase 2, which is targeted for 2027. Vale said that in early 2026, 2.2 million tons of ore had been sold from the project.Meanwhile, construction of the HPAL plant developed in partnership with GEM and EcoPro, with a capacity of 66,000 tons of MHP per year, has reached 36% and is targeted for completion in March 2027. The project’s total investment amounts to USD 2 billion.In South Sulawesi, Vale and Huayou are developing the IGP Sorowako Limonite project at the 70,566-hectare Sorowako Block to support the downstream processing of limonite nickel.As of June 2026, mine construction had reached 50%, while progress on the HPAL plant stood at 19%.The facility is designed to have a production capacity of 60,000 tons of MHP per year and is targeted for completion in December 2027.

UNTR to Build Smelter After Acquiring PSAB Gold Mine, Completion Set for 2029
UNTR to Build Smelter After Acquiring PSAB Gold Mine, Completion Set for 2029
12 Aug 2026, 04:07 PM 622

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) is preparing to build a smelter following the acquisition of the Doup Gold Project mine from PT J Resources Asia Pasifik Tbk (PSAB).In early 2026, UNTR, through its subsidiary PT Danusa Tambang Nusantara (DTN), completed the acquisition of the gold mine in Kotabunan District, East Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi. The transaction was carried out through the purchase of shares in PT Arafura Surya Alam (ASA) for USD 540 million, or around IDR 8.85 trillion.United Tractors Human Capital & Sustainability Director Ari Sutrisno said the company is currently preparing for exploration and development at the Doup Block, including the construction of a smelter. He hopes construction of the smelter can be completed within around three years.“This includes preparations for the construction of the smelter. The completion target is 2029,” Ari told Katadata.co.id in Jakarta, as quoted on Wednesday (August 12).The Doup Block in North Sulawesi has proven and probable ore reserves, in accordance with JORC standards, of 1.57 million ounces of gold. Meanwhile, measured, indicated, and inferred mineral resources amount to 3.11 million ounces of gold.On the other hand, looking at the performance of UNTR’s gold segment, the gold and other minerals mining segment posted revenue of IDR 2.4 trillion in the first half of 2026, down 66% from the same period last year. The decline was mainly caused by an 82% drop in gold sales.Meanwhile, the gold mining businesses operated through Agincourt Resources and Sumbawa Juta Raya recorded total gold sales equivalent to 23,000 ounces through the first half of 2026. The figure was down from 125,000 ounces in the same period last year.As of the first half of 2026, UNTR recorded net revenue of IDR 58.3 trillion, down 15% year on year from Rp68.5 trillion in the same period last year. Management said the decline was mainly driven by lower gold sales from PT Agincourt Resources.The performance of the heavy equipment and thermal and metallurgical coal mining segments also weakened due to the lower allocation under the 2026 National Coal Work Plan and Budget (RKAB).Net profit excluding non-recurring items fell 48% to IDR 4.3 trillion. The decline was mainly caused by lower gold sales from the Martabe Gold Mine, whose operations had been temporarily halted.Management also said the decline in revenue was due to the lower 2026 coal RKAB allocation. The company said operations at the Martabe Gold Mine resumed in the second quarter of 2026.

PTRO Secures IDR 9.3 Trillion Coal Mining Contract
PTRO Secures IDR 9.3 Trillion Coal Mining Contract
12 Aug 2026, 03:45 PM 608

PT Petrosea Tbk (PTRO) has secured two new coal mining services contracts with an estimated total value of around IDR 9.3 trillion. The contracts come from PT Pesona Bara Cakrawala (PBC) and PT Cakrawala Bara Persada (CBP), which are indirect subsidiaries of PT Singaraja Putra Tbk (SINI).The mining services agreements between PTRO, PBC, and CBP were signed on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Both contracts have terms extending for the life of the mines.Under the new contracts, PTRO will serve as the mining services contractor for two coal projects located in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan.PTRO Corporate Secretary Anto Broto explained that the scope of PTRO’s work under the contracts includes several key mining activities.“The Company will act as a mining services contractor, with the scope of work including overburden removal, rock material excavation, and coal mining,” Anto Broto said in an official statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026.The total estimated value of the PTRO contracts refers to the Indonesian Coal Index (ICI) as of July 23, 2026.PTRO Secures IDR 7.7 Trillion Contract from PBC ProjectOne of the contracts secured by PTRO comes from the PBC mining project. The company holds a Mining Business License for Production Operation (IUP-OP) in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan.For the PBC project, PTRO will handle mining activities with an estimated overburden production volume of 189 million bank cubic meters (BCM).Meanwhile, estimated coal production from the project reaches 42 million tons. The value of the mining services contract secured by PTRO from PBC is estimated at IDR 7.7 trillion.From the PBC mining project, SINI projects total revenue of up to USD 2.6 billion, or around IDR 45.6 trillion, over the contract period. The coal produced from the project has a GAR calorific value of 4,200.PTRO’s Contract from CBP Reaches IDR 1.6 TrillionIn addition to PBC, PTRO has also secured a mining services contract from CBP. The company also holds an IUP-OP in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan.The CBP project has an estimated overburden production volume of 40 million BCM. Meanwhile, coal production is estimated at 8 million tons over the life of the mine.For the project, the value of the mining services contract awarded to PTRO reaches around IDR 1.6 trillion.SINI projects that the CBP mining project can generate total revenue of up to USD 656 million, or around IDR 11.5 trillion, over the contract period. Coal from the CBP project has a GAR calorific value of 5,000.Based on a disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, SINI projects that the PBC project will begin commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the CBP project is targeted to begin commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2027.PTRO and SINI Have an Affiliated RelationshipThe mining services contracts between PTRO and PBC and CBP also involve an affiliated relationship. PBC and CBP are indirect subsidiaries of SINI through PT Dwi Daya Swakarya.Each company holds a 60% ownership stake through PT Dwi Daya Swakarya. Under this structure, PBC and CBP are affiliated with PTRO through common shareholders.SINI President Director Amir Antolis explained that one of SINI’s controllers, Hapsoro, is also an indirect major shareholder of PTRO.“One of SINI’s controllers (Mr. Hapsoro) is also an indirect Major Shareholder of PTRO,” Amir said in an official statement.As of the end of June 2026, Hapsoro directly held a 9% stake in SINI. In addition, Hapsoro also held an indirect stake in PTRO through PT Sentosa Bersama Mitra (SBM) of 2.55%.PTRO Becomes SINI Rights Issue Standby BuyerThe business relationship between PTRO and SINI has also grown closer through a corporate action currently being undertaken by SINI. PTRO has been appointed as the standby buyer in SINI’s IDR 3.61 trillion rights issue.Through the corporate action, PTRO is projected to acquire around 21.76% to 24.67% of SINI’s issued and paid-up capital after the rights issue is completed.In addition to serving as standby buyer, PTRO will also sell its subsidiary, PT Kemilau Mulia Sakti (KMS), to SINI in a transaction valued at IDR 1.73 trillion after the rights issue is completed.KMS has a mine life extending to 2038. SINI projects that coal production from KMS’s concession will be gradually increased from 1 million tons to 5 million tons per year.SINI management targets KMS revenue of USD 52 million in 2026, rising to USD 158.97 million in 2027. KMS’ revenue contribution is projected at 21.40% and 27.06%, respectively, of the company’s total revenue.

Tin Production Rises 75%, TINS Profit Surges 805% in H1 2026
Tin Production Rises 75%, TINS Profit Surges 805% in H1 2026
12 Aug 2026, 03:37 PM 477

PT Timah Tbk (TINS) posted a significant improvement in performance in the first half of 2026, in line with higher tin production and sales. Tighter oversight of mining activities and efforts to crack down on illegal mining in Bangka Belitung were also cited as supporting the company’s operational improvement.TINS recorded net profit attributable to owners of the parent entity of IDR 2.71 trillion in the first half of 2026. The figure surged 805% from IDR 300.07 billion in the same period last year.The company’s revenue also grew 146.9% to IDR 10.42 trillion. Meanwhile, operating profit increased from IDR 380.20 billion to IDR 3.46 trillion.The increase pushed TINS’ operating profit margin from 9.01% to 33.24%.From an operational standpoint, tin ore production increased 75% to 12,232 tons of Sn. Tin metal production grew 58% to 10,865 metric tons, while sales volume rose 85% to 10,984 metric tons.The performance was also supported by a 52% increase in the average tin selling price to USD 49,794 per metric ton.In addition to pricing factors, TINS’ operational improvement was also said to have been supported by tighter oversight and security of Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP), as well as support from the Central Government Task Force.The improved performance came amid the government’s efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities and tin smuggling routes in Bangka Belitung.The enforcement operations, involving law enforcement authorities, began in September 2025. The efforts were aimed at strengthening oversight of mining activities and securing national tin reserves.BRI Danareksa analyst Andhika Audrey said the crackdown had gradually brought tin mining activities back into the formal ecosystem.The condition provided room for TINS to secure ore supplies from its concession areas while increasing the utilization of its production facilities.“The impact is beginning to be seen in the increase in production, sales volume, and improvement in TINS’ margins. If oversight of mines and smuggling routes is carried out consistently, the company’s performance growth has the potential to be more sustainable,” Andhika said.TINS Shares StrengthenThe improvement in TINS’ performance was also accompanied by a rise in the company’s share price.TINS shares increased by around 17.7%, from IDR 3,270 on June 30, 2026, to IDR 3,850 on August 10, 2026.At that price, TINS’ market capitalization reached around IDR 28.67 trillion. Meanwhile, based on first-half 2026 earnings simply annualized, TINS shares were trading at around 5.3 times indicative PER.According to Andhika, the closure of illegal mines could become one of the catalysts for a re-rating of TINS shares.“The market is no longer viewing the company merely as a beneficiary of higher tin prices, but also as a company with opportunities for more measurable growth in production, cash flow, and profit,” Andhika said.

DEWA Reveals GMR IPO Plans and Exploration Progress at Aceh Gold and Copper Mine
DEWA Reveals GMR IPO Plans and Exploration Progress at Aceh Gold and Copper Mine
11 Aug 2026, 03:59 PM 479

PT Darma Henwa Tbk (DEWA) is continuing its expansion in gold and copper mining. Through its subsidiary, PT Gayo Mineral Resources (GMR), DEWA is carrying out field work for the second phase of exploration at a gold and copper mine located in Gayo Lues, Aceh.Darma Henwa Director Ricardo Silaen said GMR’s gold and copper mine exploration is divided into three stages. The project is currently carrying out field work for the second stage, while the third stage is expected to be completed in 2027.However, Ricardo has yet to disclose details on the investment value or the production schedule and targets for the project.“To be more optimal and comprehensive, the investment value and production targets can be disclosed once the third phase of exploration and all studies are completed, so that the Company can maximize the existing potential,” Ricardo told Kontan.co.id on Sunday (August 9, 2026).GMR has a concession covering 34,500 hectares. One of several deposit areas identified based on the first phase of exploration is located in Tengkereng Atas.Based on a valuation conducted by a Public Appraisal Services Office (KJJP), the gold and copper mining project has a gross asset value of around IDR 7 trillion.In terms of valuation, the figure will still depend on the results of exploration and additional resources and reserves that can subsequently be confirmed. Infrastructure development, mine development, and a processing plant will be carried out in subsequent stages after the third phase of exploration is completed and the required investment has been determined.“GMR is still in the exploration stage and is a greenfield project. At present, the Company cannot provide an estimate of the capex requirement until GMR begins production because the exploration process and feasibility study are still underway. Regarding the production target, the Company will provide information to the public in due course,” Ricardo said.Previously, information circulated that DEWA would explore opportunities to raise funds in the capital market through an initial public offering (IPO) of GMR shares. The corporate action is one of the funding options to develop the gold and copper mine being developed by GMR.Responding to the news, Ricardo stressed that DEWA is still considering various funding alternatives for GMR’s development, including an IPO option. However, the decision regarding an IPO will depend on the results of the study and future funding requirements.“For this fundraising, it will be carried out after the third phase of exploration and all studies are completed, or after 2027,” Ricardo stressed.Expansion Strategy in Mining ServicesWhile continuing exploration of GMR’s gold and copper mine, DEWA is also expanding its mining services business. Not only focusing on PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) and PT Arutmin Indonesia, DEWA is now also providing mining services for PT Sebuku Sejaka Coal (SSC).The new SSC project began operations in August 2026. SSC is a coal mine on Laut Island, South Kalimantan, which can produce up to 5 million tons of coal and 55 million bcm of waste removal, depending on the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB). The estimated volume is equivalent to around 40% of DEWA’s total waste removal volume in 2025.Overall, the estimated value of the SSC contract reaches Rp22 trillion. “We are optimistic that the new contract from Sebuku Sejaka Coal will significantly drive production volume and revenue growth going forward,” Ricardo said.To support its business agenda, DEWA has allocated capital expenditure (capex) of IDR 2.4 trillion for 2026. DEWA had realized capex of IDR 1.5 trillion through the first half of the year, equivalent to 62.5% of this year’s budget.Ricardo said DEWA’s capex this year will be used to support ongoing mining services projects at KPC and PT Arutmin Indonesia. The two major coal mining companies affiliated with PT Bumi Resources Tbk (BUMI) are DEWA’s main customers.The majority of DEWA’s capex is being used to add heavy equipment capacity, spare parts and tires, as well as to support information technology and mine digitalization. In addition to KPC and Arutmin, in the second half of 2026 DEWA will also allocate capex to carry out the contract secured from SSC.“In addition to the remaining capex allocated to KPC and Arutmin, the Company also plans to allocate additional capex separately for Sebuku. The amount and spending at Sebuku will be carried out gradually using several financing options, including vendor financing and other options,” Ricardo said.Beyond KPC, Arutmin, and SSC, DEWA is continuing its expansion in mining services by targeting new contracts. Ricardo said DEWA is exploring new contracts that could maintain the company’s long-term operational performance and revenue prospects.However, Ricardo has yet to disclose further details regarding the potential new contracts. “The Company is currently seeking new long-term contracts, which are expected to increase volume and revenue,” Ricardo said.As part of efforts to strengthen its core business, DEWA recently established three subsidiaries. On July 17, 2026, DEWA established PT DH Listrik, PT DH Infrastruktur, and PT DH Arunika Hospitality.Ricardo explained that the establishment of the three subsidiaries aims to strengthen supporting functions while improving DEWA’s operational effectiveness.“Each will have a different focus and role, namely electricity, infrastructure and logistics, and hospitality to support site operational needs,” Ricardo explained.With more focused management, DEWA can optimize cost efficiency, improve service quality, and strengthen synergies between projects. “For now, this move is part of strengthening the Company’s core business, not an expansion into sectors outside its main business,” Ricardo concluded.

Freeport’s Second Smelter in Gresik to Resume Operations in September 2026
Freeport’s Second Smelter in Gresik to Resume Operations in September 2026
10 Aug 2026, 03:50 PM 490

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is targeting the Manyar smelter in Gresik, East Java, to resume production in September 2026. PTFI’s second smelter has been shut down since the fourth quarter of last year due to disruptions in concentrate supply following a wet ore mudslide incident in the underground mining area of the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) on September 8, 2025.PT Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas said the Manyar smelter is scheduled to resume producing copper cathodes in September 2026.“The smelter will start producing again in September,” Tony said when met in Jakarta, as quoted on Monday (August 10, 2026).According to Tony, copper concentrate from Papua has now begun arriving at the Manyar smelter. However, Freeport is still waiting for sufficient concentrate volumes before operating the furnace at a higher capacity.“For now, the concentrate has started coming in from Papua and has started arriving at Manyar. So perhaps we need to wait until the volume is sufficient before we run it through the furnace,” he said.Tony said the smelter’s operations would not immediately reach full capacity in September. At least initially, the Manyar smelter’s capacity will remain below 30%.He said that by the end of this year, copper ore production capacity from Freeport’s underground mine will only reach around 65% of capacity. Underground mine production is expected to approach 100% by the end of 2027.“Yes, as I said, moving toward 100% by the end of 2027,” he said.For context, PTFI’s smelter is a copper concentrate refining facility located in the JIIPE Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Manyar, Gresik, East Java. The project, which began construction in October 2021, officially produced its first copper cathode on Monday, September 23, 2024. The first copper cathode production at PT Freeport Indonesia’s second smelter was inaugurated by Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo.The smelter project, which has the world’s largest single-line design, has a processing capacity of 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate per year and produces around 600,000-700,000 tons of copper cathodes annually.Alongside its first smelter, operated by PT Smelting Gresik, the two smelters owned by PT Freeport Indonesia will refine a total of 3 million tons of copper concentrate per year, producing 1 million tons of copper cathodes, 50 tons of gold, and 200 tons of silver.According to a PTFI report, the cumulative investment in the Manyar smelter project, which occupies 100 hectares in JIIPE, Gresik, East Java, has reached USD 3.7 billion, or IDR 58 trillion.The smelter is equipped with a Refinery Unit, Precious Metals Refining Unit, Oxygen Unit, Sulfuric Acid Unit, and Desalination Unit, as well as an Effluent and Wastewater Treatment Plant, to maximize the utilization of raw materials, by-products, and waste and achieve a high-efficiency smelting and refining process.

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