Antam to start operating nickel concession in SE Sulawesi in March

IDX-listed mining firm PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) is set to start operation of its nickel concession in Konawe Utara Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, in March of 2018.

Local news portal Sultrakini.com reported that the company officials on Wednesday met with local administration officials and villagers to seek support for the planned mining project. No further details about the new mine project were provided.

Antam in 2008 signed a joint venture agreement with Jindal Stainless Steel Ltd to develop ferronickel and stainless steel plant in Konawe Utara, under which Antam holds 55 percent interest, and the remainder 45 percent held by the Jindal.

According to Antam at the time, the plant will initially have production capacity of 20,000 tons per year of nickel contained in ferronickel, and around 250,000 tons per year of stainless steel. In May 2012, Antam, however, announced that it has delayed the project after Jindal backed down due to land dispute problem. It?s not immediately clear whether Antam has finally started construction of the planned ferronickel smelter and stainless steel plant. (*)