Antam, ITS sign MoA to develop nickel smelter technology

By Ruli Setiawan

IDX-listed mining firm PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) signed Friday a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) on the development of nickel processing using smelting furnace process.

The company said in a statement Friday that the MoA was signed by Antam?s Development Director Hendra Santika and ITS Vice Rector of Research, Innovation and Cooperation Prof. Dr. Darminto, M.Sc.

Hendra said: ?The signing of the MoA with ITS refects both entities commitment to encourage the intention of Law Number 4 Year 2009 to increase and optimize the value of minerals through domestic mineral processing and refining. As well, the MoA signifies the synergy between mining processing industry and higher education institution in research and the implementation of advanced and efficient technology.?

The purpose of the MoA is to conduct the research and development of technology and engineering of nickel processing.

The cooperation will commence through the preparation of a Basic Feasibility Study (BFS) related to nickel smelting furnace, metallurgical test and development of other related programs.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak