Indonesia has plans to begin operations at three nickel, and one lead smelters in 2021. The country has 23 new smelters under construction of which, these four mineral processing and refining facilities are on track to be operational in the year.
Of the 23, 16 will be nickel smelters, two copper, two bauxite, one iron ore, one manganese, and the rest will be lead and zinc smelters. By 2024, Indonesia targets to construct 53 operational smelters.
Of the four smelters set to be operational this year, the ones owned by PT Smelter Nickel Indonesia and PT Cahaya Modern Metal Industri are both 100pc ready for operations. PT Smelter Nickel Indonesia has carried out successful trials but had to suspend operations and wait for funds. PT Cahaya Modern Metal Industry has already begun production activities.
PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) Ferronickel smelter in East Halmahera and lead smelter, Prima Citra in Central Kalimantan are still under construction. Antam smelter is 97.7pc completed with electricity supply being the only hurdle for the commencement. The situation, according to the government, shall be remedied by July. Prima Citra is 99.8pc complete but awaits technical assistance from experts in China, likely to start offering guidance this month.