By Dominikus
Alumina producer company PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia has reached a major milestone in the expansion of its coal-to-gas plant with the successful completion of the gas transportation system for Furnace No. 6. The commissioning of the 1,126-meter gas pipeline marks the official start of series gas supply and paves the way for the next phase of the roasting furnace's baking and commissioning process.
The pipeline project, considered one of the core components in the plant's capacity upgrade, encountered multiple challenges during construction, including complex terrain, stringent safety protocols, and a tight schedule. With round-the-clock work shifts and close coordination from company leadership, the project team overcame adverse weather conditions and technical barriers, ensuring welding quality and overall safety.
“This marks a major phased achievement and lays a solid foundation for our next stage,” the company said recently.
The coal-to-gas plant expansion is expected to significantly boost production efficiency, aligning with Bintan Alumina’s long-term vision to support high-quality industrial development and enhance regional energy security.
Read also : Bintan Alumina’s third phase enters commissioning phase
The milestone comes as Bintan Alumina is in the midst of commissioning its third alumina production line. The 1 million tons per annum (mtpa) Phase III line is anticipated to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2025 or shortly thereafter. A fourth phase, also with 1 mtpa capacity, is scheduled for 2026, which will bring the company’s total capacity to 4 mtpa, solidifying its position as the largest smelter-grade alumina producer in Indonesia.
To accelerate commissioning progress amid weather and logistics challenges, the company earlier mobilized more than 200 personnel from across its alumina, power, port, and coal-to-gas divisions to support critical electrical installation work. Workers have already completed installation of approximately 200 power distribution cabinets and laid 70,000 meters of cables across key production workshops.
The integrated complex is located in the Galang Batang Special Economic Zone, Bintan Island, Riau Islands Province. EPC contractor Powerchina Sepco1 recently reported that trial runs for key equipment, including the raw material ball mill, were completed at the end of April, signaling steady progress toward full-scale operations.
With total investments exceeding US$2.1 billion, Bintan Alumina's expansion represents a strategic pillar in Indonesia’s downstream minerals development.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
