PT Aneka Tambang, is making effort to complete the ferronickel smelter in East Halmahera, North Maluku this year. Antam has set a target to operate the smelter by the second semester of 2023.
Antam Conrporate Secretary Syarif Faisal Alkadrie said that the completion of the ferronickel smelter is one of the company’s target in relation to its strategic project.
“This year, in addition to EV Battery development, the completion of Ferronickel factory in East Halmahera is Antam’s strategic project. We always attempt to finish the East Halmahera Ferronickel Smelter Construction Project [P3FH] by this year,” Syarif said.
Impact for local residents
Executive Director of Energy Watch Daymas Arangga, said that the effect of the completion of the smelter may not be instantaneous. Nevertheless, the smelter will be able to bring about positive impacts for residents living around the smelter.
Daymas said that the completion of the smelter will serve as the company’s commitment to provide added value to the economy, and labor absorption.
Being part of the domestic stainless steel industry
Meanwhile, Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies Bhima Yidhistira said that Antam’s ferronickel processing facility can be immediately included in the domestic stainless steel industry.
Similar to Daymas, Bhima also hoped that the presence of the factory will bring added value to local residents.
“Although the impact is not immediate, from the construction perspective, it will have an impact. Meanwhile for added value, the impact will be felt in the next two to three years,” Bhima said.
