Adaro Minerals' New Aluminum Smelter in North Kalimantan to Start Mid-December

Indonesian company Adaro Minerals (ADMR) stated that its newly constructed aluminum smelter in North Kalimantan will commence operations in mid-December, marking a significant step in Indonesia's efforts to enhance the added value of domestic mineral resources. Located on the island of Borneo, the facility is expected to become one of Indonesia's major aluminum projects.

Wito Krisnahadi, President of Kalimantan Aluminum, indicated that the smelter will begin production starting next month, with output gradually increasing until early next year. He projected that by October 2026, the plant's annual production will reach 500,000 mt. In addition to the Phase 1 target, the company has set a long-term goal to expand the North Kalimantan project, increasing its total annual capacity to 1.5 million mt.

In 2023, Indonesia imposed a ban on bauxite exports to encourage investment in domestic alumina and primary aluminum production. The current development represents another crucial step toward achieving self-sufficiency in alumina and aluminum production.