IDX:ANTM Expands EV Battery Ecosystem with New Industrial Push in ASEAN

Highlights

• Aneka Tambang and IBC advance an end-to-end EV battery project with global collaboration

• Integrated production chain includes nickel mining, refining, battery cells, and recycling

• President Subianto officiates major construction milestone in Indonesia’s EV industry vision

Indonesia's battery and electric vehicle sector continues to accelerate as PT Aneka Tambang (IDX:ANTM), a key player in the country’s mining and metals industry, expands its collaborative role in developing a fully integrated battery value chain. The initiative, operating across upstream to downstream segments, positions the company as a central figure in the evolving battery landscape of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Through its partnership with Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), Aneka Tambang is progressing several strategic infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering Indonesia’s participation in the global battery materials supply chain.

Joint Venture with Global Leaders Drives Nickel Production Expansion

At the core of the upstream strategy, Aneka Tambang and Chinese-backed global joint venture CBL are focusing on nickel resource development for battery-grade applications. The collaboration includes dedicated nickel mining operations and advanced refining facilities using rotary kiln-electric furnace (RKEF) and high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) technology.

These plants, situated in the Buli Industrial Area, will be powered by clean energy systems and guided by a cloud-based control centre. Brunp’s proprietary automated ferronickel technology is set to be implemented for the RKEF, while the HPAL facility will employ third-generation processes to streamline material throughput with a gravity-fed layout.

Strategic Industrial Zones Target Full Battery Lifecycle

Midstream and downstream development is centered on transforming mined nickel into battery components. The battery cell plant will be located in Karawang, with precursor and cathode production fed by semi-finished materials transported from East Halmahera. This step marks a major shift in Indonesia’s industrial logistics, enhancing domestic processing capabilities.

IBC and CBL are aiming to produce both EV-grade and energy storage battery cells from this facility. The long-term roadmap includes scaling production capacity in alignment with rising demand in domestic and global clean energy markets.

Recycling Facility Closes the Loop on Circular Supply Chain

Completing the end-to-end ecosystem, a recycling plant is in development to recover battery materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the facility will support Indonesia’s push to reduce dependence on virgin materials while reinforcing environmental stewardship in its industrial operations.

This closed-loop system is designed to support long-term resource efficiency and help Indonesia align with global expectations in battery manufacturing standards.

Government Backing Supports Longstanding Vision for Downstreaming

The project’s initiation was marked by a high-profile ceremony attended by President Prabowo Subianto, who emphasized that the downstreaming of Indonesia’s strategic mineral wealth has been a national aspiration since the country’s first president. Subianto noted the scale and ambition of the project as a milestone in national energy transition goals and regional industrial leadership.

Indonesia’s expanding battery ecosystem is gaining momentum at a time of rapid electric vehicle adoption globally. While China continues to lead in EV sales share, future growth trajectories for the US and EU markets are set to respond to evolving emissions regulations and manufacturing developments. The comprehensive approach by Aneka Tambang and IBC underscores the strategic importance of Indonesia in the next wave of global clean technology supply chains.