ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA — PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Corp), an Indonesian sustainable nickel company committed to responsible mineral processing and the global energy transition, is accelerating the transformation of the mining industry by integrating global digital technology into higher education through a strategic partnership with Universitas Sembilanbelas November (USN) Kolaka and Micromine Australia Pty Ltd.
The collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Indonesia’s mining talent ecosystem while supporting the country’s ambition to become a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.
As an Indonesian nickel and cobalt company developing an integrated mineral processing ecosystem, Ceria Corp continues to expand strategic partnerships that connect industry, education, and technology to create skilled human resources capable of meeting the future demands of the global mining industry.
As a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ceria Corp and USN Kolaka in April 2026, the two institutions facilitated the signing of an Academic Software Licence Agreement between Micromine Australia Pty Ltd and USN Kolaka on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, at the USN Kolaka Auditorium.
Through the agreement, USN Kolaka receives access to 10 academic licenses of Micromine Origin & Beyond, a globally recognized mining software platform widely used by international mining companies.
The technology supports critical mining activities, including geological exploration, resource modeling, mineral estimation, mine planning, and production optimization.
Ceria Corp supports the initiative through an academic technology contribution valued at approximately IDR10 billion, enabling students and researchers to access industry-standard digital tools for education, research, and professional development.
Building Indonesia’s Digital Mining Talent Ecosystem
The partnership between Ceria Corp, USN Kolaka, and Micromine Australia represents a strategic collaboration between industry, academia, and government to prepare Indonesia’s next generation of mining professionals.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the Kolaka Regency Government, legislative members, USN Kolaka leadership, academics, Micromine Australia representatives, and Ceria Corp management.
Representing Ceria Corp were President Director Abdul Haris Tatang, Operations Director Yusram Rantesalu, Corporate Affairs Director Djen Rizal, Human Capital & Employee Service Director Asep Susilo, Corporate HSE, Sustainability & Management System Director Krishna Ismaputra, and other members of the company’s leadership team.
The event also received support from regional stakeholders, including Chairman of Kolaka Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) I Ketut Arjana, S.E., and Chairman of DPRD Commission III Israfil Sanusi Caco, reflecting strong local commitment toward strengthening industry-education collaboration.
Kolaka Regent’s Expert Staff for Economic, Financial, and Development Affairs, Dr. H. Muh. Azikin, said the collaboration represents an important investment in preparing young generations with knowledge and technological capabilities.
“Students who are currently studying here will eventually return to society with knowledge and experience. With stronger capabilities, they can create greater contributions for the community,” he said.
Preparing Future Mining Professionals
USN Kolaka Rector Prof. Dr. H. Nur Ihsan, S.H., M.Hum., expressed appreciation for Ceria Corp’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships between higher education and industry.
He said the rapid growth of mining investment in Southeast Sulawesi has increased demand for graduates with advanced technological capabilities and industry-relevant skills.
Modern mining professionals, he explained, must not only understand geology and mining operations but also master digital applications, geospatial data analysis, leadership, and collaboration skills.
“The contribution from Ceria Corp is highly valuable for USN Kolaka. This support represents an important step in improving learning quality and preparing graduates to meet global industry standards,” he said.
Prof. Nur Ihsan added that USN Kolaka continues to develop internship programs, research cooperation, and industry-based learning initiatives to ensure students gain practical experience aligned with operational standards.
Digital Technology Becomes the Future of Mining
Micromine Australia Pty Ltd representative Fransiskus Nugroho said technology will become one of the most important factors shaping the future of Indonesia’s mining industry.
He highlighted three major drivers of future mining development: integrated real-time data utilization, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation adoption, and sustainable responsible mining practices.
“Mining software is no longer just a supporting tool. It has become the operational intelligence connecting the entire mining value chain, from exploration to production,” he said.
According to him, Micromine technology can significantly improve efficiency across mining workflows.
In mine planning activities, processes that previously required around two weeks can potentially be completed within only two days through digital optimization.
This improvement allows mining professionals to focus more on data interpretation, analysis, and strategic decision-making.
Ceria Corp Advances Sustainable Nickel Industry
Ceria Corp President Director Abdul Haris Tatang said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to developing human capital as a foundation for Indonesia’s future mineral industry.
“As a company operating in Kolaka, Ceria Corp has a responsibility to create partnerships that deliver sustainable benefits for society. This includes education, research, training, and developing the capabilities of young generations,” he said.
He emphasized that collaboration between industry and universities is essential to ensure Indonesia’s mining sector is supported by professionals capable of mastering advanced technologies.
“Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to improving the quality of USN Kolaka graduates, particularly in mastering modern mining technologies,” he added.
Beyond the Micromine software initiative, Ceria Corp and USN Kolaka have established cooperation in research, internship programs, training, and community development initiatives.
Supporting Indonesia’s Role in the Global Energy Transition
Ceria Corp is developing an integrated nickel and cobalt processing ecosystem to support the global transition toward clean energy.
The company’s roadmap includes the development of Nickel Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) Smelter, Nickel Matte, and High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) facilities, producing critical materials such as ferronickel and Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) for further processing into electric vehicle battery components.
With strong commitments to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), sustainability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, Ceria Corp aims to become a world-class nickel and cobalt company within the global EV battery ecosystem.
Through technology partnerships, education collaboration, and sustainable industrial development, Ceria Corp continues to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a strategic player in the future global mineral supply chain.
About Ceria Corp
PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Corp) is an Indonesian sustainable nickel and cobalt company developing an integrated mineral processing ecosystem to support the global energy transition.
With abundant nickel and cobalt resources, Ceria Corp focuses on sustainable processing technologies through the development of Nickel RKEF Smelter, Nickel Matte, and HPAL facilities.
The company produces nickel-based products that support the global electric vehicle battery ecosystem while maintaining strong commitments to operational excellence, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, community development, and ESG principles.
Ceria Corp’s vision is to become a world-class nickel and cobalt mining and processing company within the EV battery ecosystem through efficient, responsible, and sustainable business operations. (AT Network)
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