SMM9, June 25: recently, the construction progress of the East Halmahera nickel-iron plant owned by metal mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk has reached 98%, and the smelter is considered to be a positive catalyst for future performance.

Aneka Tambang Kunto Hendrapawoko, senior vice president of the company, said that the physical structure of the plant is nearing completion and no-load testing has been successfully carried out. The project with a production capacity of 13500 TNi is expected to be fully operational next year, and construction and electrical installation are expected to last 15 months. "the company ensures that the governance and implementation of the Haltim Ni-Fe power plant are pursued through the fastest mechanisms and methods in accordance with good GCG practices."

Meanwhile, Eric Tohir (Erick Thohir), the minister of state-owned enterprises, said that 36 companies were interested and had registered to participate in the tender for electricity procurement at the ANTM nickel-iron plant. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara in mid-January for (MOU), to work on the electricity of the project.

ANTM also hopes that the establishment of the Haltim ferronickel plant will further increase the added value of the company's minerals, which will be directly proportional to the resulting multiplier effect. NH Korindo analyst Meilki Darmawan said that the completion of the Haltim smelter project next year will play a positive role in promoting the company's financial performance. "due to the new capacity of the Halmahera smelter, the contribution of the nickel business to ANTM revenue will increase significantly by 2021."