Integrated nickel mining firm PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Corp) has commenced its first export of low-carbon ferronickel, the company said in a statement obtained Monday, marking a milestone in the country’s push to expand mineral downstreaming and green industrial output.
The initial shipment, consisting of 10 containers out of a planned 65, was dispatched on July 3 from Ceria’s new smelter facility in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.
Ceria’s ferronickel output comes from its first Rectangular Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) line, part of a project designated as both a National Strategic Project and a National Vital Object by the Indonesian government. The facility has a capacity to produce 63,200 tonnes of ferronickel annually, containing about 13,900 tonnes of nickel metal.
Backed by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from state-owned electricity firm PT PLN (Persero), the entire production process is powered by clean energy, aligning with Indonesia’s energy transition roadmap. Artificial intelligence and robotics are employed throughout the facility to ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operations.
The export was supported by state-owned lender Bank Mandiri, which led a US$277.7 million syndicated loan in 2022 alongside regional banks Bank BJB and Bank Sulselbar to finance the smelter's construction.
Read also : Ceria awaits market stability to proceed with IPO plans
Bank Mandiri President Director Darmawan Junaidi said the bank’s support reflects its broader commitment to national industrial development and the energy transition. “Bank Mandiri is committed to supporting national strategic projects, especially those led by domestic players. Our collaboration with Ceria demonstrates how partnerships between banks and industry can accelerate economic growth,” he stated.
Ceria plans to expand its operations with the construction of a second RKEF line and a High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) plant. The company targets an eventual output of 252,800 tonnes of ferronickel and 293,200 tonnes of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) per year, containing critical materials for electric vehicle batteries.
Ceria CEO Derian Sakmiwata praised the banking sector’s role in backing the project and expressed optimism about Indonesia’s growing role in the global battery supply chain.
“This smelter represents national industrial independence. With continued support, we are confident that Indonesia will become a major player in the global EV battery industry,” he said.
Indonesia, the world’s largest nickel producer, has banned raw ore exports to promote domestic processing and increase its role in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
