Energy Minister Appreciates Amman Mineral’s Smelter Construction Progress

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 331.Pers/04/SJI/2021

Date: 18 September 2021

Energy Minister Appreciates Amman Mineral's Smelter Construction Progress

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Arifin Tasrif, expressed his appreciation to the efforts of PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) in constructing a mineral processing and refining facility (smelter) despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The smelter project is one of the National Strategic Projects set by the government to encourage downstream mineral processing. To this end, we appreciate PT AMNT's efforts in the construction of this smelter," said Arifin during a work visit to the Batu Hijau mine of PT AMNT in Sumbawa Regency on Friday (17/9). Arifin was escorted by Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province Zulkieflimansyah and Director of Mineral and Coal Techniques and Environment of the Ministry of EMR Lana Saria.

Until July 2021, the smelter construction had been verified to reach 27.56%, and this is in line with the minimum target set by the government. The smelter will have an input capacity of 900,000 Tonnes Per Annum (TPA) and is targeted for completion by 2023.

On the same occasion, President Director of PT AMNT, Rachmat Makkasau, requested the government's support so that the the smelter construction would run smoothly. "We hope the government will continue to support PT AMNT in obtaining facilities as well as tax and non-tax incentives, which will greatly support the continuity of our operations," said Rachmat.

Besides surveying the smelter, the Minister of EMR also inspected the reclamation area and the open pit which is in Phase 7 of production and development.

"PT AMNT has made a significant transformation, so our operations run more productively and efficiently. Best practices have enabled us to continue with Phase 7 development, which was previously considered to have no economic value. We are very grateful for the support and guidance from the Ministry of EMR," explained Rachmat.

PT AMNT has also adopted sustainable mining through environmental management programs such as reclamation which is carried out simultaneously with mining operations. Additionally, PT AMNT has targeted to increase the use of solar panels and other forms of renewable energy that are environmentally friendly year by year.

For the record, PT AMNT changed its business license from a Contract of Work (KK) to a Special Mining Business License (IUPK) for Operation Production. PT AMNT is a pioneer in the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) Number 1 of 2017 and its derivatives.

Since acquiring the Batu Hijau mine in 2016, PT AMNT has undergone a significant transformation to make its mining operations more productive, efficient, and sustainable. (IY)

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