KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif, has determined the winners of the auction for nine Mining Business Permit Area (WIUP) blocks for metal minerals and coal in early February.

Out of the nine mining blocks, PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) or Antam will manage two nickel commodity mining blocks. Specifically, the Marimoi I Halmahera Block, East North Maluku and the Lililef Sawai Halmaera Central Block, North Maluku.

Antam explained the two exploration blocks were obtained under ESDM Regulation Number 7 of 2020 and the Minister of ESDM's letter regarding the determination of the WIUP auction winners.

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"The company is currently undergoing an administrative process so that it can later explore the two Mining Business Permit (IUP) areas," said Antam's Corporate Secretary Syarif Faisal Alkadrie in his official statement, on Thursday (22/2).

Furthermore, under Law (UU) 3 of 2020, Exploration IUP holders are given a maximum of 8 years to carry out exploration activities in their area.

In line with the company's efforts to strengthen reserves and resources in all core commodities, Antam will carry out aggressive exploration to strengthen the company's business.

"In addition, Antam ensures to always carry out exploration activities under KCMI / SNI / JORC rules to obtain results that can provide a picture of the potential for Nickel to be developed," he added.

In running its operations, Antam always carries out good mining practices by prioritizing occupational safety and health (K3) and operation excellence to ensure mining is carried out thoroughly.

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For information, Antam's nickel operation segment consists of ferronickel and nickel ore commodities. Ferronickel commodities are produced by the Nickel Mining Business Unit (UBP) Kolaka.

Nickel ore commodities are produced from nickel mines in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi operated by UBP Nickel Kolaka, nickel mines in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi operated by UBP Nickel North Konawe, nickel mines in East Halmahera, North Maluku managed by UBP Nickel North Maluku, and nickel mines on Gag Island, West Papua operated by the company's subsidiary, PT Gag Nickel.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar