Merdeka Gold Completes Sale of 16 kg Gold from Pani Mine to Antam
Merdeka Gold Completes Sale of 16 kg Gold from Pani Mine to Antam
16 Mar 2026, 08:08 AM 277

PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (EMAS) has announced its maiden gold sale from the Pani Gold Mine, marking its entry into the commercial production phase.Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, President Director of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk, explained that this sale was conducted through its subsidiary, PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS), to PT Aneka Tambang (Persero) Tbk (Antam), totaling 16.0597 kg or 516.287 ounces of gold."This sale is part of a strategic collaboration between the Merdeka Group and Antam through a Gold Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) to support the absorption of domestic gold production while strengthening the integration of the national gold supply chain," he stated in a written release on Monday (March 16, 2026).Along with the commencement of production, Merdeka Gold also reported a significant increase in its gold reserve base. Based on the latest estimates as of December 31, 2025, total Ore Reserves have increased to 203.1 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of 0.79 g/t gold, containing approximately 5.2 million ounces of gold.Ore Reserves are the portion of a Mineral Resource that has undergone technical and economic studies and has been deemed viable for mining."The increase in Ore Reserves was primarily driven by the success of the follow-up exploration program as well as the updating of the geological model and mine planning conducted throughout 2025," said Boyke.Merdeka Gold targets production of approximately 100,000–115,000 ounces of gold in 2026, alongside the accelerated development of processing facilities and the optimization of mining operations.Boyke added that the company is continuing its exploration program to expand the resource base in the Pani area.Currently, four diamond drill rigs are operating at the project site, with an additional two diamond drill rigs and one reverse circulation rig scheduled to arrive in the coming months to support the planned drilling program of more than 32,000 meters this year.

Indonesia and Japan Agree on Cooperation for Critical Minerals and Nuclear Energy
Indonesia and Japan Agree on Cooperation for Critical Minerals and Nuclear Energy
15 Mar 2026, 08:35 AM 372

Indonesia and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in two strategic sectors, namely critical minerals and nuclear energy, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo on Sunday.Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Sunday that this cooperation will strengthen a more integrated and sustainable energy system.He conveyed that Indonesia is very open to collaborating on critical mineral management, given that Indonesia holds the world's largest nickel reserves, as well as resources in bauxite, tin, copper, and rare earth elements."We are very open; we are pleased to invite the Japanese government and Japanese business partners to co-manage our critical minerals in Indonesia," said Bahlil.On the same occasion, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ryosei Akazawa, emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to face global uncertainty, in order to maintain energy security and supply sustainability."Amid the current global crisis, it is vital for us to strengthen cooperation to safeguard energy security. Japan itself has prepared strategic energy reserves as an anticipatory measure," he said.Akazawa also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to continue supporting various energy cooperation projects with Indonesia, including the completion of the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy (PLTSa) project as part of the strategic partnership between the two nations.The Ministry of EMR stated that cooperation in the critical minerals sector will be directed toward strengthening the global supply chain to be more secure and reliable, while nuclear energy cooperation will focus on developing low-carbon technology with high safety standards.Both countries will further continue discussions regarding the strengthening of regional energy security, including cooperation on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal supply chains, as well as accelerating energy transition projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, such as the operation of the Sarulla geothermal power plant (PLTP) and the completion of the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy project.This cooperation between Indonesia and Japan is expected to bolster energy security while supporting decarbonization efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Endorses 300 Million Tons of Coal RKAB in 2026
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Endorses 300 Million Tons of Coal RKAB in 2026
13 Mar 2026, 08:10 AM 211

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) through the Director General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) Tri Winarno has revealed the latest news regarding the Budget and Cost Work Plan (RKAB) for coal commodities in 2026.Tri said that until now his party had approved 300 million tons of coal production or almost reaching 50 percent of the total quota set by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources."RKAB coal is now around 250-300 million tons. It is almost 300 million tons approximately. What has been approved yes. It is around almost 300 million tons," Tri told the media when met in Indramayu, quoted Friday, March 13.For information, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has set a coal production quota for 2026 of 600 million tons or down if compared to 2025 which was set at 790 million tons.However, Tri was reluctant to detail which companies his RKAB had been approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. However, he ensured that several companies such as PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk had obtained RKAB permits.Tri also said that several companies that had received RKAB permits included holders of the Coal Mining Work Agreement (PKP2B). Tri said, not all ex-PKP2B companies have obtained approval.For information, this policy is taken to balance supply and demand, following the oversupply conditions that have been suppressing global coal prices.Efforts to coordinate between supply and demand are considered important, not only to maintain the stability of coal commodity prices, but also to ensure the availability of energy reserves for future generations. The government considers that excessive coal exploitation needs to be controlled so that natural resource management remains sustainable.

Nickel Market Could Shift to Deficit Due to Indonesia Quota, Says Macquarie
Nickel Market Could Shift to Deficit Due to Indonesia Quota, Says Macquarie
11 Mar 2026, 08:20 AM 119

Nickel prices could climb further this year as a global supply shortage caused by top producer Indonesia’s decision to limit its production starts to bite, potentially sending the market into a deficit this year, according to Macquarie Group.In December 2025, the Indonesian government announced significantly tighter and more regulated nickel supply quotas to combat a global supply glut and boost depressed prices this year. Since then, prices of nickel metal as well as nickel pig iron (NPI), nickel sulfate and nickel ore have all gone up.As the global market continues to tighten, Macquarie strategists led by Jim Lennon are expecting further upside in nickel prices to reflect the rise in downstream products leading to higher costs. The higher domestic premium in Indonesian nickel ore, as the bank notes, has led to a near USD 3,000 increase in NPI prices, underpinning the surge in nickel on the London Metal Exchange.As such, the Macquarie analysts see a floor forming around USD 17,000–18,000 per tonne for LME-traded nickel, which is currently trading at near the midpoint of this range.Production could lagThe Australian bank also highlighted further upside in nickel prices, as production may not rise at all this year due to Indonesia’s restrictions, and this, it said, could lead to a global market deficit versus a previous forecast of a 90,000-tonne surplus. Japan’s Sumitomo last year said the nickel surplus could reach 256,000 tonnes in 2026.Credit: MacquarieA shortage of limonite ore and the recent tailing dam accident at Morowali are leading to weaker-than-expected production of MHP (mixed hydroxide precipitate), the intermediate product derived from laterite ores.The disruption to the supply of sulfur from the Middle East, if prolonged, would also have a negative impact on planned production, Macquarie said, while also noting that some planned expansions of new capacity are also likely to be delayed.Through the January-February period, it is estimated that NPI production fell 10% year-on-year, in part due to weaker ore grades and also due to furnaces being switched to make nickel matte (which has higher payables than NPI).

RMKE, Pendopo Energi Batubara Sign MoU to Develop Coal Logistics Infrastructure in S. Sumatra
RMKE, Pendopo Energi Batubara Sign MoU to Develop Coal Logistics Infrastructure in S. Sumatra
11 Mar 2026, 08:01 AM 315

Coal logistics company RMK Energy (RMKE) and Pendopo Energi Batubara (PEB) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to develop mining infrastructure and optimize coal logistics in South Sumatra.RMK Energy and PEB signed the MoU on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in developing mining infrastructure and integrating coal logistics in the province.The agreement was signed in Jakarta by PEB President Director Maringan M. Ido Hotna Hutabarat and RMK Energy President Director Vincent Saputra.The partnership aims to combine the strengths of both companies, with RMKE set to develop vital logistics infrastructure linking PEB’s mining area with RMKE’s facilities, including hauling roads, loading stations, unloading stations, and port infrastructure. With the development of these supporting facilities, PEB will allocate part of its coal production to RMKE.Key points of the cooperation include:1. Infrastructure Development. RMKE, through its affiliates, plans to build an access road and a loading station at a strategic location near PEB’s mining area in Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) Regency, South Sumatra. The infrastructure will be fully owned by RMKE.2. Facility Utilization. PEB will be granted permission to use the access road and loading station to support its mining operations.3. Coal Sales Agreement. PEB will sell coal produced from its mining operations to RMKE, with the volume to be determined later in a definitive agreement.4. Railway Logistics Integration. RMKE will collaborate with Kereta Api Indonesia to transport PEB’s coal, ensuring an efficient supply chain from the mining area to the port.5. Exclusive Port Utilization. As long as PEB uses the infrastructure built by RMKE, the company has agreed to utilize RMKE’s port services for coal shipments and sales, whether to RMKE or third parties.Vincent said the cooperation marks a strategic step for RMKE in expanding its logistics services across South Sumatra.“With infrastructure directly integrated with the PEB mining area, we not only increase the company’s coal transportation and sales volumes but also provide an efficient logistics solution for our partners,” he said.He added that PEB is one of five new clients that will be connected to RMKE’s logistics facilities.“With more new clients directly connected to these logistics facilities, the company is supported in achieving its target coal transportation volume of 12.7 million tons and coal sales target of 3.6 million tons, with an option to purchase coal at the mining area,” Vincent said.PEB President Director Maringan welcomed the collaboration, saying it would help ensure smoother coal distribution.“Synergy with RMKE will ensure the smooth distribution of our coal. Reliable infrastructure support is crucial for PEB’s operations, and we believe this partnership will deliver significant added value for both parties,” he said.

Far East Gold Extends High-grade Gold Mineralisation at Sua Prospect Ahead of Resource Update
Far East Gold Extends High-grade Gold Mineralisation at Sua Prospect Ahead of Resource Update
10 Mar 2026, 10:41 PM 1092

Far East Gold Ltd has reported further high-grade gold intersections from drilling at the Sua prospect within its Idenburg Gold Project in Papua, Indonesia, extending the known mineralised system and paving the way for an updated mineral resource estimate.Map showing prospect and resource areas within the Idenburg COW tenement. FEG drilling is currently in progress within the Sua and North Bermol prospect areas. The areas of announced PIPPIB forest reclassification are also indicated. Refer to Appendix 1 Table 1 for details of the JORC2012 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate forIdenburg as completed by SMGC. Coordinates are referenced to datum WGS84, zone 54 south.Assay results from drillholes KSD028 to KSD035 confirm that shear-zone-hosted gold mineralisation extends about 100 metres down-dip and along strike to the northeast. The mineralised zones remain open both at depth and along strike, highlighting the potential for additional resource growth as drilling continues.The company has engaged SMG Consultants Ltd to update the current JORC 2012 Inferred mineral resource estimate for the Idenburg project, which currently stands at 540,000 ounces of gold at 4.1 g/t. The upcoming update will incorporate results from Far East Gold’s recent drilling at the Sua prospect.Image showing the Sua prospect area and the locations of completed FEG drillholes (KSD023 to 036). Also shown for reference are historical holes KSD001 and 022. Table 1 lists hole collar details for the FEG holes completed and Table 2 lists compiled significant intersections . Coordinates are referenced to datum WGS84, zone 54 south.At the same time, the company is preparing the next phase of drilling at Sua, targeting further resource expansion. The planned program is expected to include about 2,350 metres of targeted drilling, with further details to be announced shortly.High-grade intercepts confirm continuityRecent drilling has delivered several notable gold intercepts that extend the mineralised system and confirm continuity within the shear-hosted structure.Key intersections from the latest drilling include:▶︎10.29 g/t gold over 1.65 metres from 17.1 metres in hole KSD033▶︎2.12 g/t gold over 8.6 metres in KSD033, including 8.55 g/t over 1 metre▶︎2.57 g/t gold over 3.9 metres in KSD034, including 7.92 g/t over 1 metre▶︎5.24 g/t gold over 1.45 metres in KSD035, including 7.21 g/t over 0.95 metres▶︎1.18 g/t gold over 7.4 metres in KSD035, including 4.97 g/t over 0.6 metres“The high-grade intercepts in KSD033 to KSD035 extend the previously reported mineralisation to deeper levels and further confirm the strength and continuity of the Sua shear-hosted gold system,” Far East Gold non-executive chairman Justin Werner said.“Importantly, the mineralisation remains open down dip and along strike to the northeast, highlighting strong potential for additional resource growth through continued drilling.”Interpreted long section across the Sua prospect.Expanding the Sua gold systemStep-out drilling across the Sua prospect has progressively extended the mineralised system along both strike and depth.Recent holes have tested both the eastern and western extents of the shear zones and confirmed continuity across the structure. Holes KSD028 and KSD029 advanced drilling east of earlier holes to further test the extent of mineralisation within the shear zones.Hole KSD030 confirmed down-dip continuity in the central zone, intersecting 8 g/t gold over 0.5 metres within a broader 32-metre mineralised shear zone, highlighting the potential scale of the system.Western step-out holes KSD031 and KSD032 also intersected multiple mineralised zones, reinforcing strike continuity across the prospect area.To date, Far East Gold has completed 14 diamond drillholes at the Sua prospect for a total of 2,925 metres, targeting extensions to previously identified mineralisation. Assays for one remaining hole, KSD036, are still pending.Photos of drill core from holes KSD032, KSD033, KSD035. A) intensely sheared metadiorite with minor coarse pyrite within deformed quartz veins. From KSD032 significant assay interval of 1.8 g/t Au over 0.5m from 108.8 to 109.3m, B) intensely sheared and chloritized metadiorite with abundant coarse pyrite. From KSD033 significant assay interval of 8.55 g/t Au over 1.0m from 97.2 to 98.2m, C) Deformed and chloritized metadiorite with overprint of coarse pyrite. From KSD035 significant assay interval of 7.21 g/t Au over 0.95m from 142.75 to 143.7m.Large shear corridor offers further upsideMineralisation at Sua is hosted within a series of stacked milky quartz veins with sulphide mineralisation developed within low-angle shear zones. More than 30 individual gold-bearing quartz veins have been identified to date.The prospect sits within the 5-kilometre-long Sua–Afley shear zone, a major structural corridor that the company believes offers significant potential for additional high-grade discoveries.Based on historical exploration and earlier drilling, the Sua prospect currently hosts an inferred resource of 2.5 million tonnes at an average grade of 3.7 g/t gold for approximately 296,000 ounces.Recent drilling has focused on testing extensions beneath existing mineralisation, with results suggesting higher-grade gold zones may occur deeper within the shear system beneath lower-grade material encountered closer to surface.Future drilling will continue targeting extensions to these zones down-dip and along strike to the northeast. Meanwhile, ongoing surface mapping at the nearby Kwaplu prospect is expected to help define targets for an initial scout drilling program.The latest drilling results and the upcoming resource update are expected to provide a clearer picture of the scale and growth potential of the gold system emerging at Idenburg.

Petrosea Posts 197% Surge in Net Profit for 2025
Petrosea Posts 197% Surge in Net Profit for 2025
07 Mar 2026, 10:28 AM 325

PT Petrosea Tbk (PTRO) recorded significant performance growth throughout 2025.According to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) information disclosure on Saturday (March 6, 2026), the company posted revenue of USD 886.45 million, or approximately IDR 14.82 trillion (estimated at the Jisdor exchange rate of IDR 16,720 per USD).This achievement represents a 28.32 percent year-on-year (yoy) increase compared to the revenue of USD 690.81 million recorded in 2024.The majority of the company's revenue originated from the mining business, contributing USD 389.25 million. Additionally, the construction and engineering segments provided a significant contribution of USD 379.74 million.Other revenue streams included offshore oil and gas EPCI services at USD 32.86 million, general services at USD 30 million, and miscellaneous income of USD 2.5 million.Meanwhile, coal sales contributed USD 52.01 million to the company's total revenue.This revenue growth reflects the increased business activity of Petrosea within the mining services and engineering sectors.Net Profit Surges, Assets ExpandIn line with the rising revenue, Petrosea's direct operating expenses also saw an increase.In 2025, operating expenses were recorded at USD 774.23 million, up 28.93 percent (yoy) from USD 600.52 million in 2024.Despite this, the company maintained positive performance growth.Petrosea posted a gross profit of USD 112.22 million, a 24.30 percent (yoy) increase compared to USD 90.28 million in the previous year.Furthermore, the company's net profit surged sharply by 197.02 percent (yoy) to USD 28.8 million, or approximately IDR 481.66 billion in 2025, up from USD 9.69 million in 2024.On the balance sheet side, Petrosea's total assets also experienced a significant increase.As of December 31, 2025, the company's total assets reached USD 1.58 billion, a substantial jump from USD 867.26 million at the end of 2024.

Vale’s Sorowako Nickel Matte Production Unaffected by RKAB Quota Cuts
Vale’s Sorowako Nickel Matte Production Unaffected by RKAB Quota Cuts
07 Mar 2026, 10:13 AM 385

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk has announced that nickel matte production at its Sorowako smelter in South Sulawesi remains in line with projections and has not been affected by the recent cuts to the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB).The RKAB reductions were implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to trim Indonesia's nickel output, with the goal of bolstering nickel commodity prices in the international market."To date, the nickel matte production plan remains completely unaffected and is still in accordance with our forecast," said Budiawansyah, Director and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer of Vale, during an Iftar event held in Jakarta on Friday.Budi explained that the production plan at the Sorowako smelter remains undisturbed because the government granted 100 percent approval for Vale’s RKAB regarding its Sorowako operations.Vale’s current focus has shifted toward ensuring the nickel ore supply for its High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) smelter, which is currently under construction in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.Budi noted that, barring any obstacles, the Pomalaa HPAL smelter project is expected to reach mechanical completion by August 2026."Production is set to ramp up in the second half of that year. If we target August, then the ore supply to support that must be available about two to three months prior," Budi stated.Regarding these requirements, Vale has communicated with the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) at the Ministry of ESDM to propose a revision to Vale’s 2026 RKAB."The Director General (Tri Winarno) and his staff fully understand this, as nickel downstreaming is our commitment to the government," he added.He expressed hope that the government would approve the 2026 RKAB revision to support the operations of the Pomalaa HPAL smelter. Budi is aiming for the revision to be finalized by June, or even earlier."We have already prepared several drafts for the upcoming addendum or revision. We will see, based on the regulations, whether it will be opened in June or if it can be done sooner," Budi concluded.

Building Integrated Smelters, MIND ID Aims to Reduce Indonesia’s Aluminium Imports
Building Integrated Smelters, MIND ID Aims to Reduce Indonesia’s Aluminium Imports
06 Mar 2026, 10:05 AM 333

Herry Permana, Assistant Deputy for Mineral and Coal Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, revealed that the aggressive downstreaming efforts (hilirisasi) carried out in recent years could significantly reduce Indonesia's imports. He emphasized that downstreaming related to natural resource management can provide much greater added value.He cited the bauxite-to-aluminum downstreaming carried out by MIND ID through Inalum and Antam in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, which has already reached the groundbreaking stage."This means that because our demand for aluminum is high, we must reduce imports so that the domestic industry can grow. It is indeed not easy, but it is something we must do," said Herry during the CNBC Indonesia Mining Forum 2026 on Friday (March 6, 2026).He stressed that if downstreaming is not implemented now, amidst favorable global conditions, the country could lose a vital opportunity. This situation also serves as momentum for the government to move faster in encouraging downstream industries."There is no other choice to optimize our natural resources; for example, coal must also undergo downstreaming. Otherwise, we are just selling raw materials. Although it takes time, the point is we must provide added value," Herry added.For context, in early February 2026, MIND ID began constructing an integrated bauxite-aluminum downstream project in Mempawah, West Kalimantan. This was marked by the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) Phase 2 and PT Inalum's second aluminum smelter on Friday (February 6, 2026).MIND ID President Director Maroef Sjamsoeddin stated that this groundbreaking marks the creation of a complete industrial supply chain for the aluminum industry. This facility is not just for production but serves as an integrated national industrial ecosystem, covering raw materials, energy, infrastructure, and human resources.He revealed that the total investment for this integrated project—which includes the operational SGAR Phase 1, SGAR Phase 2, Inalum’s second aluminum smelter, and the power plant in Mempawah—is estimated to reach IDR 104.5 trillion."The construction and operation of the alumina smelting facilities is a strategic program with an investment value of IDR 104.55 trillion, or equivalent to USD 6.23 billion," he concluded.

Merdeka Copper Gold Partners with Aneka Tambang in 3-Ton Annual Gold Sales Agreement
Merdeka Copper Gold Partners with Aneka Tambang in 3-Ton Annual Gold Sales Agreement
05 Mar 2026, 09:59 AM 1135

PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA), along with its affiliated entity PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (EMAS), has officially inaugurated a strategic collaboration with PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) through the signing of a Gold Sales & Purchase Agreement (GSPA). This agreement marks a new chapter in the orchestration of the domestic gold trade.The implementation of the agreement is carried out by the respective operational entities of each party. PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) and PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS) act as suppliers, while Antam takes the position as the buyer of gold granules refined in domestic processing facilities. This scheme emphasizes upstream-downstream integration within a single industrial landscape.The two-year contract covers a transaction volume of approximately 3 metric tons of gold per year, or nearly 100,000 ounces. Consequently, the total supply commitment during the current period is projected to reach 6 metric tons. There is also an optional clause to increase the supply by up to an additional 3 metric tons per year, opening room for production acceleration if required.The President Director of Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, Albert Saputro, stated that this collaboration provides market absorption certainty for the Merdeka Group's gold production. Furthermore, he believes this step strengthens the increasingly competitive national gold industry supply chain.He explained that with a strengthening production foundation from the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine and the Pani Gold Mine, the company requires a stable, precise, and measurable offtake structure. This GSPA ensures the continuity of production absorption while reinforcing the corporation's contribution to the domestic gold ecosystem.The gold supply in this partnership originates from two of Merdeka Group’s primary operations. The Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, East Java, managed by BSI, has been operational since 2017 and serves as the backbone of production. Meanwhile, the Pani Gold Mine in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo, is under the control of PETS and represents the company’s latest expansion.The Pani Gold Mine itself is the most recent project in the Merdeka Group portfolio. Initial mining activities began in October 2025. A significant milestone occurred on February 14, 2026, when the project recorded its first gold pour using the heap leach method—an efficient extraction technique for low-grade ore.Shortly thereafter, specifically on February 27, 2026, the company delivered 44.04 kilograms of dore bullion to Antam to undergo the initial refining stage. This shipment serves as a concrete marker of the new project's operational readiness.The Commercial Director of Aneka Tambang Tbk, Handi Sutanto, views this partnership as a reflection of the commitment to strengthening national gold sovereignty. According to him, this synergy proves that Indonesian mining products can be processed into pure gold domestically before ultimately being owned and utilized by the public.The initial sale of pure gold from Merdeka Group to Antam based on the GSPA contract is targeted to be realized before the end of March 2026, closing the first quarter with a significant achievement.

Advertisement


GET YOUR PASS