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PT Antam (Persero) Tbk (Antam; ASX - ATM; IDX- ANTM) announced that on Monday, August 30, 2010, it has started a new nickel mining operation in Tapunopaka, Southeast Sulawesi.
The initial export of nickel ore from Tapunopaka amounts to 50,000 wmt. The operation at Tapunopala strengthens Antam’s nickel operations which currently consist of nickel mines: Pomalaa, Gee and Buli and three ferronickel smelters at Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi. Antam’s Development Director, Tato Miraza, said: “The nickel operation at Tapunopaka will support not only our commitment to meet export demand of nickel ore but to also add value through processing activities. We plan to use the ore from Tapunopaka to feed our ferronickel smelters at Pomalaa in line with the depletion of nickel reserves at the location as well as to feed the Mandiodo Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) project in 2014 when the obligation of domestic ore processing is in place.” The design of the Tapunopaka nickel mine has an annual production capacity of 1.5 million wmt. Tapunopaka has potential resources for high grade nickel ore of 7.1 million wmt with a nickel grade of 2.3% and 43.7 million wmt for low grade nickel ore with a nickel grade of 1.6%. Antam had spent Rp75 billion to open the 6,213 hectares Tapunopaka nickel mine, which included the exploration activities. The operation of the Tapunopaka mine will develop the local economy as the operation of the mine will require approximately 200 people. Antam is also committed to implement good mining practices through environmental management, land reclamation as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to the surrounding communities. |
