Zhongwei Partners With Antam To Develop Nickel Downstream

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) is working with Zhongwei to jointly construct and develop an industrial zone project and the two parties have now signed a principals agreement, according to the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) on Aug 8, 2022. The cooperation will adopt the latest nickel production line construction technology, committed to carbon emission reduction and green development.

ANTAM president Nico Kanter said the company itself was now focusing on developing its EV battery ecosystem business, in line with the nickel downstream project launched by the government.

"We are grateful to Zhongwei for their interest in collaborating on the development of downstream nickel production facilities. We see Zhongwei as a potential strategic partner for ANTAM due to its advanced technical experience in nickel processing and good corporate performance."

After that, the two sides will make use of technological and resource advantages to improve cost competitiveness and develop and construct laterite nickel ore in the OESBF (oxygen-rich side-blowing furnace) processing industrial park.

The mine's smelting production line is planned to produce 80,000 tonnes of nickel matte per year for new energy or battery material for electric vehicles. The project will maximally promote and facilitate the application of green energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, Deng Weiming, chairman and president of Zhongwei, said ANTAM has diversified vertical business integration in the mining and metals sectors, with exports as its main business.

"ANTAM has always been committed to delivering high quality products that are recognized as best industry practices and competitive operational performance to maximize value, with a focus on sustainability, work safety and environmental protection in its business," he said.

It is worth mentioning that Zhongwei is the world's largest precursor producer, and its core business is the production of positive precursor materials and new energy recovery materials.

Zhongwei's main products are widely used in various 3C fields, energy and power fields and energy storage fields; Zhongwei's main products have successfully entered the high-end supply chains of Fortune 500 companies with Tesla, Samsung, Ningde Times and Panasonic as major customers.

Zhongwei's strengths in R&D, manufacturing and engineering construction are complementary to ANTAM's strengths in mining, resource integration and operations, and the cooperation between the two parties will create a mutually beneficial situation in the future.

The common mission and vision of the two sides is that through this cooperation, it will provide new practical reference for the development of green and sustainable nickel resources and regional economic and social development, and also promote the economic and social exchanges between China and Indonesia. In addition, the two sides also agreed to take this cooperation as an opportunity to further expand cooperation areas, increase the depth of cooperation, provide competitive system solutions for the development of the global new energy industry, and make sustainable contributions to global green development and low carbon.