10 December 2024
In early December 2024, two prominent academics, Rochsyid Anggara and Rudiyansah, stepped into the heart of Harita Nickel’s flagship nickel downstreaming operation. As heads of the Mining Technology and Metallurgical Technology programs at the Polytechnic of Energy and Mining (PEP) Bandung—an institution under Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources—they carried more than just their titles.
Under Halmahera’s glaring sun, reflecting off heavy machinery, the two academics explored every corner of the Obi Site. From the state-of-the-art High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) process that produces raw materials for EV batteries Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), crystallization plants for nickel and cobalt sulfate, and the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) smelters, they witnessed technological sophistication up close. They also toured reclamation areas, where once-mined lands are now verdant habitats, a testament to Harita Nickel’s environmental commitment.
But this journey wasn’t just about machinery and technology. As they made their way to Kawasi Village, they witnessed the transformation of a once-isolated village into a hub of community empowerment. Through Harita Nickel's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, Kawasi Village now receives support in developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the agricultural sector. The Propala production house, for example, stands as a tangible example of how industry can serve as a bridge for developing local skills, creating new and sustainable opportunities for the village’s economy.
The visit culminated with the Harita Future Leaders Class, an exclusive program for Management Trainees, Foremen, and production staff. With 12 selected participants, the session resembled an intimate discussion rather than a conventional seminar.
Rudiyansah, addressing the class, emphasized HPAL’s role in placing Indonesia at the forefront of global downstreaming. “HPAL is more than just a technology—it’s a representation of our effort to maximize Indonesia’s mineral resources sustainably. By producing nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate, we’re not just meeting market demands; we’re positioning Indonesia as a key player in the electric vehicle battery supply chain,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rochsyid highlighted often-overlooked aspects of downstreaming: workplace safety and environmental management. “Successful downstreaming requires robust occupational health and safety (OHS) practices and environmental management that evolves with the times. Community empowerment is equally vital—it’s not just about mining but also about creating a positive impact across society,” he explained.
Rochsyid expressed optimism about Harita Nickel’s commitment to continuous improvement, adding, “I hope these efforts lead to greater recognition, particularly the Good Mining Practice Award from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.”
This visit wasn’t just an exchange of ideas—it was a shared narrative of responsibility, where industry and academia together shape a brighter future.
At the Obi Site, the lines between campus and mine blurred, replaced by a shared vision of sustainability. “Much like nickel processed with precision, this collaboration is part of Indonesia’s grand ambition: to lead globally in mineral downstreaming while staying rooted in its local essence,” Rudiyansah concluded.
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