Indonesia is set to have its first titanium smelter, which is currently under construction in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands. The progress of this project has reached 75%.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita explained that the development of the titanium smelter would enhance the value-added in the industry, reduce dependence on imports, and increase value in the industrial supply chain. The total investment for this project is IDR 1.3 trillion.
“The government actively encourages the downstreaming of industries to increase the added value of mineral raw materials domestically,” stated Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.
Agus commended PT Bersahaja Berkat Sahabat Jaya for realizing its investment in the development of the processing industry, or smelter, for turning ilmenite into titanium slag.
Ilmenite is a primary source of titanium (Ti) needed to produce various high-performance alloys. It is formed as the main mineral in mafic igneous rocks, concentrated in a layer, and found as a byproduct of tin mining or zirconium sand mining.
Agus mentioned that most of the globally mined ilmenite is used to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2), pigments, white lime, and polishing abrasives.
The construction of the titanium smelter using ilmenite as raw material is expected to increase the value-added of mineral ore and create job opportunities in the downstream industrial sector, particularly in industries that utilize titanium.
Indonesia holds significant potential in developing the titanium smelter industry due to its abundant mineral reserves. Titanium is utilized in various industries, including healthcare equipment, aircraft, spacecraft, and military equipment.
The Titanium Smelter, located in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, with an investment of IDR 1.3 trillion, has a production capacity of 100 metric tons per day and will play a crucial role in meeting the domestic and global demand for titanium.
Agus also emphasized that the basic metal industry is one of the leading sectors driving the growth of the national processing industry, contributing significantly at an annual rate of 10.86% in the third quarter of 2023. This remarkable contribution is in line with the increased demand for export products in the basic metal sector.
