Indonesia’s state-owned mining holding company, MIND ID, is stepping up efforts to optimize the country’s strategic mineral potential to fuel the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry. 

As the steward of Indonesia’s strategic mineral reserves, MIND ID holds the mandate to maximize the value of natural resources, bolster industrial sovereignty, and drive national economic development.

Dany Amrul Ichdan, Vice President Director of MIND ID, said Indonesia holds a strong geopolitical and geostrategic position. With abundant mineral wealth − including nickel, copper, carbon, and aluminum − the country possesses all the essential components needed to produce EV batteries.

Global projections indicate that by 2035, over 59 percent of car sales will be dominated by Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

“In the midst of global transformation, resources are no longer just raw materials but strategic power. And through MIND ID, Indonesia is not only managing its potential but establishing its position,” Danny said on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

“Downstreaming is the foundation of industrial sovereignty, opening strategic pathways, strengthening global presence, and boosting national competitiveness,” he added.

MIND ID − together with its members Antam and IBC, and global strategic partner CBL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) − is developing an integrated nickel value chain from upstream to downstream.

This strategic project is centered in East Halmahera, North Maluku, and Karawang, West Java, and is expected to become a key driver in Indonesia’s EV battery industry development.

Upstream, Antam is developing nickel mining operations with a production capacity of 10 million tons of ore annually. In the midstream sector, a High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) facility in East Halmahera is projected to produce 55,000 tons of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) per year. Additionally, a Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace (RKEF) facility is planned to yield 88,000 tons of nickel annually.

Downstream, MIND ID is building a Battery Material Factory consisting of three key components: 16,000 tons of nickel sulfate annually, 30,000 tons of precursor, and 30,000 tons of cathode active material (CAM).

The MIND ID Group is also initiating the construction of a Battery Cell Factory in Karawang and a Battery Recycling Facility in East Halmahera, as part of its effort to build a circular economy ecosystem within the battery industry.

Dany emphasized that this project will significantly stimulate local economic growth. With a total investment of US$5.9 billion (Rp96.3 trillion), the strategic initiative is expected to be fully operational by 2028 and projected to generate over 43,000 new jobs.

“With this strategic initiative, Indonesia is not only becoming part of the global industrial architecture, but is also helping to reshape a more just and sustainable future,” Dany concluded.