ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA – Bank Mandiri has once again reinforced its role as a catalyst in advancing Indonesia’s strategic industries by partnering with PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Corp). The collaboration was marked by the ceremonial first export of low-carbon ferronickel from the “Merah Putih” smelter located in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. The initial shipment included 10 containers out of a total 65 containers bound for key markets across Asia.
This milestone reflects a successful synergy between Indonesia’s financial sector and green energy-based mineral downstream industries—solidifying the country’s commitment to both resource-based value creation and clean energy transition.
The exported ferronickel was produced at Ceria’s Smelter Rectangular Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) Line I, designated as both a National Strategic Project (PSN) and National Vital Object (Obvitnas). The smelter operates at a 72 MVA capacity, generating 63,200 tons of ferronickel annually with 22% nickel content—equivalent to 13,900 tons of pure nickel metal.
The entire production process is powered by clean, renewable energy, certified with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) issued by state-owned utility company PT PLN (Persero). Additionally, operations are managed in real-time using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics, making this facility a benchmark for sustainable, high-tech industrial models in Indonesia.
Darmawan Junaidi, President Director of Bank Mandiri, emphasized the bank’s commitment to accelerating Indonesia’s mineral downstreaming agenda and clean energy goals through this strategic export.
“Bank Mandiri is committed to being a vital part of national strategic projects, particularly those led by domestic investors. Our collaboration with Ceria exemplifies how synergy between the banking sector and local industries can fast-track the development of high-value sectors,” said Darmawan in an official statement on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
This first export follows Ceria’s commercial smelter production milestone in April 2025. Ceria is currently the only Indonesian nickel company that has successfully built and operated a smelting facility with funding exclusively sourced from a domestic banking syndicate.
In 2022, Bank Mandiri, in collaboration with Bank BJB and Bank Sulselbar, extended USD 277.69 million in syndicated financing to support the development of the smelter and its infrastructure. The financing demonstrates a strong vote of confidence by Indonesia’s financial institutions in the future of mineral downstreaming and local supply chain integration.
Derian Sakmiwata, CEO of Ceria Corp, expressed deep appreciation for the continued support from Bank Mandiri. He emphasized that the involvement of domestic financial institutions has served as a major driver for sustainable industry development.
“The smelter symbolizes national industrial resilience and independence. Our strategic collaboration with the banking sector has unlocked new opportunities—creating jobs, empowering local economies, and increasing national value creation,” said Derian.
Looking ahead, Ceria is planning the expansion of its production capacity through the construction of RKEF Line II and the development of its High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Line I facility. These projects aim to solidify Indonesia’s role in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.
Ceria’s long-term production targets include: 252,800 tons of ferronickel per year (equivalent to 55,600 tons of nickel metal) from 4 RKEF lines, and 293,200 tons of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) from 2 HPAL phases, containing 110,940 tons of nickel and 11,400 tons of cobalt.
“With continued support from Indonesia’s financial sector, we are optimistic that the country will play a pivotal role in the global battery industry. Strategic partnerships like this form the backbone of the renewable energy and downstream mineral sectors,” Derian added.
The export ceremony was also attended by Kolaka Regent Amri Jamaluddin, demonstrating strong regional government support for strategic industrial development. The event further strengthens the connection between industry players and financial institutions in building a globally competitive mineral downstreaming ecosystem.
This successful ferronickel export aligns with the national economic agenda outlined in President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita Vision, particularly in the areas of job creation, local workforce empowerment, and sustainable natural resource management.
Through the active involvement of Bank Mandiri and Ceria in supporting Indonesia’s downstreaming and green economy efforts, the country reaffirms its position as a major player in the global supply chain for resource-based and renewable industries. (AT Network)
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