The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) welcomed the final results of validation test on Step Temparature Acid Leach (STAL) technology carried out by the PSDMBP team of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Kementerian ESDM), Prof. Zaki Mubarok and PT Trinitan Metals and Minerals Tbk (TMM).
Based on final report of validation test, STAL technology is proven to be able to increase the recovery of Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co) in the range of 87-94% Ni and 90-95% Co. As a response to the final report, the Deputy Assistant for Strategic Investment at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Bimo Wijayanto said that the validation test from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources was a very important milestone.
According to Bimo, STAL technology is the pride of nation’s intellectual property, so efforts must be made to advance to an industrial scale. What expected, he continued, is how to increase capacity from a lab scale to an industrial scale, then how the noble ideals of national capacity are to utilize smelters that are modular, cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.
“We also appreciate, the matrix of environmental, social and governance that has been described and will be committed by TMM in each implementation plan of its technology. This is one step forward, which can help the government to answer questions about how green is the exploitation of our mineral resources,” Bimo said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Mining at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Tubagus Nugraha, said that this is good news for TMM, for the government, and for Indonesia, in order to support national capacity for nickel downstream policies in Indonesia.
“In terms of research efforts, what TMM has done is a very big leap in Indonesia. From the presentation given, STAL technology can be operated on a smaller scale, compared to smelter projects that have been in Indonesia so far. For the government, if there is a national capacity, where the nation’s children can develop an important aspect, especially regarding nickel downstream, then we will be very supportive,” Tubagus Nugraha said on Tuesday (06/04).
On the same occasion, Aldi Muhammad Alizar as an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Consultant from PT Mitra Rekayasa Keberlanjutan (MRKL) revealed that reducing carbon emissions and regarding waste disposal can be answered properly by STAL technology, so that it will be easier to actualize the Green+ Program.
“We can communicate this well to national and international stakeholders, and we can build a good system to strengthen STAL technology and the Green+ Program. Indonesia must communicate efforts to be able to manage climate change, manage environmental and social aspects,” Aldi said.
For information, Green+ Program is a program initiated by TMM through its subsidiary, PT Hydrotech Metal Indonesia (HMI). This program which focuses on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) aspects is one of TMM and HMI’s efforts to realize environmentally friendly national nickel governance. (*)
