ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia still has very abundant nickel reserves.
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reports that currently Indonesia still has 1.2 million hectares of nickel reserves that have not been further explored.
According to the Secretary of the Geological Agency, Rita Susilawati, of the total 2 million hectares of land that could potentially contain nickel, currently only around 800 thousand hectares have been cultivated.
“Locations that have the potential to become greenfield nickel are still quite extensive. Judging from the formation of potential nickel carriers of 2 million hectares, currently only 800 thousand have become Mining Business Permit (IUP) areas. So there is still a potential of 1.2 million hectares that has not been explored ,” he explained in a virtual press conference, Friday, January 19 2024.
World Target
Nickel is currently being sought after by the world as a raw material for electric vehicle batteries.
Therefore, Indonesia plays a strategic role in this industry.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, said that Indonesia currently holds around 5.3 billion tons of nickel reserves. In fact, the potential is up to three times greater.
“Our reserves have reached 5.3 billion tons and our potential is 17 billion tons,” said Arifin some time ago.
Arifin explained that nickel itself is divided into two types. First, high nickel content of more than 1.5 percent is called saprolite. Then, low grade nickel less than 1.5 percent or limonite.
According to him, the nickel reserves of 5.3 billion tonnes currently owned are sufficient for a production capacity of up to 15 years.
However, its lifespan could increase if the existing potential is developed and Indonesia helps create an electric vehicle battery recycling industry. (ATN)
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