PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) has partnered with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to initiate a pilot project converting coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets, which serve as raw materials for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
“This coal-based anode sheet is a global first, marking a significant breakthrough in coal downstreaming,” Arsal Ismail, President Director of PT Bukit Asam, said during the soft launch of this pilot project at the Tanjung Enim Industrial Area, Muara Enim regency, South Sumatra, on Monday, July 15, 2024.
He highlighted that developing coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets will support the advancement of the domestic EV industry.
According to Arsal, the demand for artificial graphite and anode sheets will grow in the future, driven by the needs of the EV sector and other industries such as energy storage, electronics, and medical equipment.
Director of Portfolio and Business Development at State-owned mining holding company MIND ID, Dilo Seno Widagdo, said that this project is part of MIND ID Group’s commitment to maximizing the added value of Indonesia’s mineral and coal resources.
“MIND ID is focused on supporting the EV battery ecosystem. This project is a strategic move that not only diversifies PTBA’s business but also strengthens our position in the EV battery supply chain,” Dilo said.
Artificial graphite is a key material for making anodes, while anode sheets are electrodes where oxidation reactions occur (positive poles), which are essential components for Li-ion batteries.
The pilot project aims to progress to the commercial stage. Arsal emphasized that the project’s continuation requires comprehensive economic feasibility studies and support.
The process of converting coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets involves several steps. The first step is carbonizing coal into semi-coke or coalite.
Coalite is then pulverized into powder, followed by soaking, heating, washing, drying, and further grinding to produce artificial graphite, the primary material for anode sheets.
To make anode sheets, artificial graphite is mixed with other materials. This mixture is heated and cast into sheets of copper foil. The final stage is drying to form the anode sheet.
