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“Materials that could not previously be utilized can eventually become valuable when the technology makes it possible,” said Muhammad Toha, Chief Compliance Officer of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (IDX: MDKA). This was one of the key messages in his presentation at the Executive Dialogue session during Minerba Convex 2026, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), on the event’s second day, November 3. Representing Merdeka Group, Toha was one of the speakers in a discussion on technological innovation in the mining industry. The discussion featured panelists from mining companies and the mineral processing industry. Respondents included representatives from government institutions responsible for mineral business development and the promotion of domestic products, as well as a professional metallurgy association.
In his presentation, Toha highlighted the utilization of limonite ore from the SCM Mine (Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral), one of the assets of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (IDX: MBMA) in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Limonite ore from this mine is processed at MBMA’s partner high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) facility to produce mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP). This material serves as a feedstock for producing nickel sulfate, which is then used to manufacture active cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Toha also discussed the utilization of materials from the Wetar Copper Mine on Wetar Island, Southwest Maluku. Pyrite, a by-product of copper mining in Wetar that was previously stockpiled as residual material, has been processed at the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Plant since 2024 to produce a range of value-added products. These include sulfuric acid, saturated steam, iron ore pellets, copper sponge and cathodes, lead-zinc hydroxide, gold doré, and silver. According to Toha, the processing of pyrite into these various products can be considered one of the most advanced applications of its kind in Indonesia. The examples of limonite ore and pyrite utilization demonstrate how technological developments can turn materials that were previously uneconomical to utilize into valuable feedstocks and products.
As part of the Minerba Convex program, Executive Dialogue is a focused discussion forum that brings together industry players, government representatives, and associations to explore the direction, challenges, and developments shaping the mining sector. Its discussions address more specific issues than the event’s broader theme, which aims to introduce the role of minerals and coal to the public. Held on November 2–3, 2026, at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Minerba Convex brought together government representatives, companies, associations, academics, and the public through conferences, discussions, exhibitions, educational programs, and business meetings.
The exhibition was one of the main features of this national event. Around 50 companies showcased a range of programs, technologies, products, and services supporting mining and mineral and coal processing. At its exhibition booth, Merdeka Group introduced the benefits of gold, copper, and nickel, accompanied by concise information on the locations of its operations and its mining and processing activities. The information was presented through graphic displays, photographs of operational activities and social and environmental programs, as well as a corporate profile video.
On the first day, the Merdeka Group exhibition booth was visited by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, who posed for photographs with members of the company’s management, including Boyke P. Abidin, President Director of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk; Cahyono Seto, Director of PT Bumi Suksesindo; and Indra Diannanjaya, Deputy Compliance of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. Visitors could also take part in games offering souvenirs as prizes and an interactive workshop on upcycling used plastic into everyday items such as bracelets and small pouches. The booth attracted visitors from various backgrounds, including university students, professionals, and representatives of foreign embassies. Many of them asked about the scale of the company’s operations and the mineral processing activities carried out by Merdeka Group.
The event concluded with Apresiasi Minerba 2026, an award ceremony held as part of Minerba Convex, which also recognized two Merdeka Group companies for their community empowerment programs. PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) received the main award in the Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) Program – Education category for its Rumah Pintar (Learning Center) Program, which provides non-formal education for people of different age groups. Meanwhile, PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM) received the main award in the PPM – Institutional Development category for its support of the Lalomerui Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes). Through the Rumah Pintar Program and its assistance to the Lalomerui BUMDes, BSI and SCM support skills development among local communities while strengthening market access and local business management.
Artikel From Untapped Materials to Value-Added Products: Merdeka Group at Minerba Convex 2026 pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.