Merdeka Gold Resources Performs Initial Mining In Gorontalo

Mining (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - A subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA), PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk has carried out the first mining (first mining) at the Pani Gold Project, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province on Wednesday, October 1.

Just so you know, the first mining or the first mining is the initial process of removing the soil layer or overburden stripping and taking the first ore, which marks the official start of mining operations.

MGR President Director, Boyke Poerbaya Abidin explained, the Pani Gold project is one of the largest primary gold mines in Indonesia with more than 7 million gold ounces and multidekade mining age.

"In the early stages, this project uses a sheet sea method with a processing capacity of 7 million tons of ore per year and a production target of around 140,000 gold ounces per year," he said, quoted Thursday, October 2.

He explained, for the next phase, his party will build a carbon-in-leach (CIL) facility with an initial capacity of 7.5 million tons per year and an expansion of up to 12 million tons per year by 2030, with the potential for peak production reaching 500,000 gold ounces per year.

"This increase in activity will gradually create jobs, encourage regional economic growth, and provide added value for all stakeholders," Boyke continued.

Boyke ensured that his party was committed to carrying out responsible operations, complying with the principles of Good Mining Practices (GMP) and high Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, so that the benefits could be felt sustainably.

With the start of this stage, it is hoped that it will have a multiplier effect on the Gorontalo region, including increased job opportunities, local business empowerment, and economic contribution through taxes and royalties.

"After the first mining, the ore stacking activity will continue at the stab Leach facility and is targeted to produce the first gold in the first quarter of 2026," he said.