Amman Mineral Integrated PLTS 26.8 MW In The Green Stone Mining

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The copper and gold mining company PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) has begun to integrate the use of solar power plants (PLTS) with a capacity of 26.8 megawatts to support operational activities at the Batu Hijau mineral mining site in West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara.

"AMNT's operational activities are now supplied by hybrid energy, with the integration of PLTS with a capacity of 26.8 MW. We are also grateful that AMNT's operational area is located in West Sumbawa Regency, which has the highest irradiation rate in Indonesia, thus supporting electricity production from the PLTS," explained Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara President Director Rachmat Makkasau in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Friday, April 14.

According to him, the operation of PLTS has started nine months ago, to be precise in June 2022. This power plant is the largest ground-mounted solar PV facility in Indonesia until now, which has been used for mining operations.

Rachmat stated that the initiative is expected to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40,000 tons/year.

He said the use of PLTS was part of AMNT's efforts to ensure a greener production process. This sustainable mining practice is important to start immediately, considering that AMNT's copper products are a strategic commodity in the transition to sustainable energy.

"As an upstream industry actor, we continue to strive to reduce carbon emissions with PLTS," said Rachmat.

This step is in line with the government's policy to encourage a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) effects. A number of key steps taken by the Indonesian government to reduce the effect of GRK, including through the development of new and renewable energy (EBT), the application of energy efficiency, utilization of low-carbon fuels and post-mining reclamation.

"Hopefully efforts to reduce carbon emissions in our mines will also support Indonesia's efforts to transition to sustainable sustainable energy," said Rachmat, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA).

In addition to mining minerals in Batu Hijau, AMNT also carries out ore processing activities into concentrat, as well as exploration activities of the Elang Block.

Through a subsidiary of PT Amman Mineral Industri (AMIN), copper smelter and precious metals refinery (PMR) facilities are also being built and are targeted to operate in 2024.