Harita Nickel (NCKL) continues its efforts to ensure the long-term continuity of nickel supply as it prepares for mining exploration with an outstanding Mining Operating License (IUP).
Primus Priyanto, head of mining engineering at Harita Nickel, explained that based on the results of the feasibility study, The nickel reserves on the Mining Operating License (IUP) owned by PT Trimegah Bangun Persada and its subsidiary PT Gane Tambang Sentosa (GTS) will expire in 2030.
However, Primus said those reserves could be exhausted by 2030. However, he said NCKL was also continuing its efforts to increase nickel production.
One form of this work is the construction of a rotary kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) smelter, which will be operated by NCKL subsidiary PT Karunia Permai Sentosa (KPS).
In addition, the company is also building a high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) smelter, which will be operated by another NCKL subsidiary, PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (ONC). "With the later stages of KPS and ONC operations, the lifespan of TBP and GTS will be shortened. "That's why we will start going into other IUP," Primus said during a meeting with the electric vehicle exploration team in Kawasi, Obi Island, North Maluku.
Primus explained that one of the new areas on Obi Island that is being prepared for mining is in the Gambaru Village area. He said the IUP in the region is owned by PT Gane Tambang Sentosa, which was just acquired by NCKL at the end of November 2022.
Primus aims to start mining activities in the village of Gambaru next year. Apart from this, the company is also preparing to join IUP owned by another subsidiary, PT Jikodolong Megah Pertiwi (JMP). He said his party was waiting for permission from the government to be able to execute the IUP owned by the PT JMP.
"Our nickel ore reserves currently stand at 302 million tonnes. "If we increase exploration of new IUP areas, of course it will increase our confidence in increasing the number of reserves," Primus said. At present, all mines of NCKL have supplied 18 million tonnes of nickel ore, including humic soil and limonite ore, to independent processing facilities. Younsel expects the company's total nickel ore production to reach about 32 million tons in 2025. When everything is running at full capacity, the company will produce or supply 36 million tonnes of raw ore per year starting in 2026.
