ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA — PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Group), a leading nickel mining and processing company operating in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, will start its first commercial production of low-emission Ferronickel (FeNi) from the Merah Putih Smelter Line 1 by the end of April 2025. This milestone reinforcing Indonesia’s strategic role in the global green nickel supply chain.
Roimon Barus, General Manager of RKEF Operation Readiness at PT Ceria, announced that the hot commissioning process has been underway since February 23, 2025, starting with the feeding of nickel ore into the drying system, followed by furnace heating.
“All electric furnace units have been fully energized since early April 2025. We are confident that the first commercial FeNi production will be achieved by the end of April 2025,” Roimon stated on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Advanced RKEF Technology Aligned with ESG Standards
The Merah Putih Smelter utilizes state-of-the-art Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) technology with a capacity of 72 MVA, specifically designed to ensure production efficiency while meeting strict Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
PT Ceria adopts the innovative Rectangular Electric Furnace design, known for its superior energy efficiency. This design enables better heat retention, optimized fuel combustion, and reduced power consumption per ton of product, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental responsibility.
The smelter facilities are equipped with advanced dust collectors, comprehensive waste management systems, and real-time digital emission monitoring devices to ensure compliance with environmental quality standards.
Furthermore, the entire electricity supply for PT Ceria’s smelter is sourced from PLN UID Sulselrabar, certified with a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC), ensuring the use of clean energy and supporting Indonesia’s national decarbonization targets.
“With this green energy utilization, PT Ceria’s nickel products will have a minimal carbon footprint, supporting the development of a sustainable nickel industry in Indonesia,” added Roimon.
Commitment to Sustainable Mining and Good Mining Practices
Beyond downstream processing, PT Ceria implements comprehensive ESG practices across its nickel mining operations in Wolo District, Kolaka Regency.
PT Ceria consistently applies Good Mining Practices, covering environmental management, social empowerment, and sound corporate governance.
In environmental management, the company carries out continuous land reclamation and post-mining revegetation, erosion and sedimentation control, as well as the protection of conservation areas surrounding the mining site. An integrated water management system is also in place to maintain environmental water quality.
Social responsibility efforts focus on empowering local communities, promoting local workforce employment, developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and implementing education and healthcare programs for surrounding communities.
From a governance perspective, PT Ceria ensures strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations, enforces robust internal controls, and maintains transparency in its environmental and social management.
“As a Domestic Investment Company (PMDN), National Strategic Project, and National Vital Object, PT Ceria is committed to building a responsible and sustainable nickel industry ecosystem — from mining operations to downstream products,” Roimon emphasized.
Strengthening Its Position as a Global ESG-Based Nickel Industry Player
In its long-term development plan, PT Ceria targets the construction of four RKEF production lines with a total production capacity of 252,800 tons of Ferronickel per year, equivalent to 55,600 tons of nickel metal.
Additionally, PT Ceria is preparing to develop a Nickel Matte Converter, Nickel Sulphate, and High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) facility to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), strengthening its role within the Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Supply Chain.
“With the implementation of modern RKEF technology and ESG-based operations, PT Ceria’s Merah Putih Smelter is projected not only to produce high-quality Ferronickel (FeNi) but also to deliver green nickel products with outstanding environmental and sustainability performance,” Roimon concluded.
The Ferronickel produced from PT Ceria’s smelter will have a low carbon footprint, supported by renewable energy usage, energy-efficient furnace technology, and stringent emission and waste management aligned with global standards. This positions PT Ceria’s nickel products to be highly competitive in the international market, particularly in supporting the global supply chain for electric vehicles and clean energy industries.
“With these advanced technologies and ESG standards, PT Ceria is ready to produce environmentally friendly green nickel products, driving the green economy and strengthening Indonesia’s position as a global leader in sustainable nickel industry based on ESG and Good Mining Practices,” Roimon affirmed. (AT Network)
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