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12/13/25

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Indonesia news

Pomalaa HPAL Project Achieves Strategic Milestone with Arrival of First Autoclaves

 
 

Kolaka, December 13, 2025 ¡ª Indonesia¡¯s nickel downstreaming transformation continues to make significant strides. By deploying advanced processing technologies, the country is reinforcing its commitment to building a sustainable, high-value mineral industry aligned with the global energy transition.

As part of this effort, PT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Indonesia Tbk (PT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½)¡ªa subsidiary of Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID)¡ªtogether with strategic partner Kolaka Nickel Industry (KNI), has officially received the first two autoclave units for the Pomalaa High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Project, a key component of the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa. This delivery marks a critical milestone in preparing Indonesia¡¯s high-tech nickel processing facility for operation.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by PT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and KNI management, along with strategic project partners including Indonesia Pomalaa Industrial Park (IPIP), Huayou Southern Construction Command, MCC20, and other stakeholders.

Autoclaves are the core of the HPAL process. In this method, laterite ore slurry is heated to 240¨C270¡ãC under pressures up to 5,600 kPa, then reacted with sulfuric acid and steam to dissolve nickel and cobalt. The resulting solution is processed into Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP)¡ªa critical precursor for nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate, essential components in the supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage.

The Pomalaa HPAL facility is designed to produce up to 120,000 tons of MHP annually, reinforcing Indonesia¡¯s role as a strategic player in the global battery industry. Three additional autoclaves are scheduled for delivery soon, with timelines being finalized by the KNI team.

 
 

Muhammad Asril, Chief Project Officer at PT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Indonesia, stated: ¡°The arrival of these two autoclaves is a major milestone for the Pomalaa HPAL Project. Autoclaves are the heart of the HPAL process, enabling the conversion of laterite ore into high-value products like MHP. Through this technology, we are not only enhancing the value of Indonesia¡¯s mineral resources but also strengthening the country¡¯s role in the global EV battery supply chain. We appreciate the collaboration of all partners and remain committed to advancing construction with a focus on safety, sustainability, and long-term benefits for local communities.¡±

Shao Weisheng, Deputy General Manager of PT Kolaka Nickel Industry, added: ¡°We are proud to be part of this strategic collaboration. The arrival of the autoclaves marks a concrete step toward operating a world-class HPAL facility in Pomalaa. HPAL technology opens significant opportunities for nickel downstream development and supports Indonesia¡¯s vision to become a major player in the global battery industry. Together with PT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and all partners, we are committed to ensuring this project meets its targets with the highest safety and quality standards.¡±

The Pomalaa HPAL Project is a cornerstone of Indonesia¡¯s national mineral downstreaming agenda, focusing not only on economic value creation but also on technology transfer, workforce capacity building, and long-term socio-economic impact for communities in Southeast Sulawesi.

By processing mineral resources domestically into high-value products, the project strengthens national industrial resilience, secures Indonesia¡¯s position in a sustainable global supply chain, and contributes to global efforts toward energy transition and a low-carbon economy.

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