ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA – PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Group) announced the successful first production of ferronickel at its Merah Putih Smelter located in Wolo, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The achievement, reached at 1:38 PM WITA on April 27, 2025, coincides with the 61st Anniversary of Southeast Sulawesi Province and marks the official start of a new era for Indonesia’s green nickel industry.
The smelter’s first production was achieved on schedule with the Project Commercial Operation Date (PCOD), reinforcing Indonesia’s leadership in sustainable mining and green industrial development.
“By the grace of God, we are proud to announce the successful first production of ferronickel at the Merah Putih Smelter,” said Derian Sakmiwata, CEO of Ceria Group. “This milestone is not only a proud moment for PT Ceria, but also a significant leap for Indonesia’s green industrial revolution.”
Ferronickel is a key material for the production of stainless steel and electric vehicle (EV) components, both crucial to the global energy transition. Through technological innovation, Ceria ensures that its ferronickel products meet high-quality standards while embracing sustainability principles.
PT Ceria is advancing the construction of RKEF (Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace) Lines 2, 3, and 4, aiming for a total annual production capacity of 252,800 tons of ferronickel. In addition, the company is expanding its downstream operations by developing a Nickel Matte Converter, a Nickel Sulphate Plant, and a High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) Plant to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), a critical raw material for EV batteries.
“Ceria is igniting Indonesia’s momentum toward a green industrial transformation, strengthening the nation’s role in the global clean energy supply chain,” added Derian.
The Merah Putih Smelter uses RKEF technology with a 72 MVA capacity, featuring an innovative Rectangular Electric Furnace design that enhances energy efficiency and significantly reduces emissions. All operations are powered by renewable energy certified through Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) issued by PLN UID Sulselrabar, making the smelter one of Indonesia’s lowest-carbon nickel production facilities.
“We are not merely producing ferronickel — we are building a responsible green industrial ecosystem,” said Roimon Barus, General Manager of RKEF Operation Readiness at PT Ceria.
“Through real-time environmental monitoring, waste management based on the reduce-reuse-recycle principle, and a strong commitment to ESG pillars, Ceria is bringing the concept of green nickel into reality today.”
As global demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, PT Ceria is poised to play a key role in supporting the expansion of the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.
“In this new industrial era, only companies that embed ESG principles into their business DNA will endure and lead. Ceria is proud to stand at the forefront of this transformation,” Roimon concluded.
About PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama
PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Group) is an integrated nickel mining and processing company based in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recognized as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSN) and representing a Domestic Investment (PMDN) initiative, Ceria is committed to pioneering sustainable industrial practices aligned with global ESG standards. Ceria supports Indonesia’s vision to become a global leader in the clean energy economy while strengthening national independence in the strategic downstream minerals sector. (AT Network)
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