Two subsidiaries of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk that operate Pani Gold Mine received awards in the large company category: PT Gorontalo Sejahtera Mining (GSM) for achieving 7,666,280 person-hours without a lost time injury, and PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS) for achieving 2,166,209 person-hours without a lost time injury.

The award was presented by the Governor of Gorontalo Province in recognition of the companies’ achievement in recording zero lost time injuries (LTI), in accordance with Minister of Manpower Regulation No. PER-01/MEN/I/2007. This milestone demonstrates that the consistent implementation of OHS management systems can create a safe, healthy, and productive workplace.

The award was received by Sasongko Heru Nugroho, Head of Mine Technical PETS, accompanied by Adi Firdaus, HR Manager of Pani Gold Mine. “Everyone Safe, Always is our core operational value. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of all employees and partners in upholding safety standards,” said Sasongko. “We remain committed to maintaining and further strengthening OHS standards across all operations.”

Adi said that the achievement reflects strong collaboration in building a safety culture. “This award is not just about numbers, but about our consistency in ensuring every worker returns home safely each day,” said Adi. “We build our safety culture through continuous training, strict supervision, and active engagement of employees and partners.”

This recognition further Pani Gold Mine’s position as a mining operation that prioritizes safety alongside productivity and responsibility to its workforce.

Moving forward, the company will continue enhancing OHS training, operational supervision, and workforce competency to ensure safety remains the foundation as it advances toward full production.

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Artikel Pani Gold Mine Receives Zero Accident Award from Gorontalo Province pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

According to Roelly Fransza, General Manager of Operations and Head of Mining Engineering at BSI, the award reflects the discipline and commitment of all BSI employees in implementing OHS across all operational activities, both at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine and the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project, which together form the Tujuh Bukit Operations (TBO).

Throughout 2025, BSI recorded 19.7 million work hours with zero lost time injuries and zero recordable injuries. This means no incidents occurred that required official reporting under mining safety standards.

This performance was further reinforced by a low Serious Potential Incident Frequency Rate (SPIFR) of 0.37—well below the target of <1.47. It demonstrates the company’s strong ability to manage major risks through effective systems, supervision, and disciplined work practices.

These achievements were previously announced during BSI’s National OHS Month ceremony at its operations site on 12 January 2026, two days before the provincial award was received. The 2026 National OHS Month program includes a series of strategic, promotional, and implementation-based activities, such as health webinars, BSI Fun Run, OHS Reflection Day, and the Internal Rescue Challenge.

“No production target is more important than human life,” said Roelly during the ceremony. He emphasized that everyone deserves to return home safely and in good health after work.

In 2026, BSI aims to take its OHS implementation to the next level under the theme On to the Next Level. The company has embedded Safety Beliefs and Duty of Care into its safety management system to further strengthen a safety-driven culture.

With a strong OHS foundation and continued commitment, BSI is determined to ensure that every worker at Tujuh Bukit Operations can work and return home safely.

Artikel Bumi Suksesindo Receives OHS Award from the Governor of East Java pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

The journey to the capital was a challenge of its own. It took well over a dozen hours—if not more—to reach Jakarta from Wetar Island in eastern Indonesia, with two transits in Atambua and Kupang. In Jakarta, even greater challenges awaited.

The event was not only their first competition but also their debut operating an excavator in front of a live audience—beyond their own trainer. Once they had mastered the basics, they had to immediately compete against seasoned operators from other mining companies.

That was a leap, considering the machine they usually drive is not an excavator but an ADT, or articulated dump truck. Since joining Wetar Copper Mine in 2022, they have been operating the six-wheeled truck, equipped with a central hinge that makes it nimble across rough terrain. Mastering the ADT was itself part of their “firsts.” Before joining Mining Apprentice, a program created to recruit and train local women operators, neither of them had driven a four-wheeled vehicle. Unlike Kristanty, Yanti had not even ridden a motorcycle before. Their first vehicle turned out to be heavy machinery—something even licensed drivers might never manage.

They believe the key to work is the willingness to learn, since skills can be sharpened through intensive training. When chosen to compete in Jakarta, it felt like another chance to push themselves further.

Beyond working hours, Kristanty and Yanti were trained by Muslik, a Mining Trainer at PT Batutua Tembaga Raya (BTR), one of the two companies managing the Wetar Copper Mine. The process was not too different from regular training. “First comes the classroom, learning safety and equipment,” Muslik explained. “Then we go to the field, where they learn to operate the unit.”

“The time was very short, just fifteen days,” Yanti recalled. “But the trainer always supported us with full confidence. What mattered was being able to perform our best in the competition.”

For Agus Satari, Training Supervisor at BTR, the participation of Wetar Copper Mine in this national competition was equally significant. “Beyond carrying the name of BTR,” Agus said, “we want to show others that we have skilled operators.”

“Thank God I was able to complete the training well,” Kristanty said, hoping she and Yanti could show their very best.

First photo: From left, Agus Satari, Muslik, Yanti Maryana Pio, and Kristanty Lendert. Second photo: The equipment introduction session.

If described simply, the 2025 Operator Championship challenge was straightforward: drop basketballs into three types of goals—a basketball hoop, an open oil drum, and a low wooden box the size of a desk drawer. In practice, however, it demanded extreme precision, even for seasoned operators.

Each participant was given ten basketballs, placed on traffic cones on one side of the excavator. Using the excavator’s bucket, they had to scoop the balls off the cones, lift them, then swing the arm across to drop them into the goals on the opposite side. The sequence of goals was up to the operator. Whoever managed to score in all three goals first—or scored the most within ten minutes—was declared the winner. Before the session ended, the excavator bucket had to be returned to its original position: resting on a pad of stacked burlap sacks.

“The hardest target is the box,” Kristanty admitted.

Yanti agreed: “The box is small. Once the ball hits inside, it bounces out.” In other words, a miss.

Operators competed in pairs, starting only when signaled by the referee. Touching the goal or the asphalt with the excavator bucket counted as a foul, leading to a yellow card. Red cards were issued for severe violations like damaging equipment, changing the machine’s settings, or driving out of bounds. The official match ended once all three goals had been scored, with the excavator bucket returned to its original position on the burlap sack pad.

The competition used a round-robin format, meaning each participant faced all others once, ensuring that the final results reflected consistency. Between elimination rounds, there were entertainment sessions, demonstrations, and open challenges.

Because participants from other companies withdrew, Kristanty and Yanti ended up being the only women among eight male operators. They faced each other as well as the men, with wins and losses alternating. In one open session, Kristanty even defeated an operator from another company.

Beyond the main competition, there was also an Exhibition match. All ten participants were split into two teams of five, led by Kristanty and Yanti. It was a relay format: each operator had to score two balls before switching out. Yanti’s team eventually edged out Kristanty’s.

Although they did not take home the main trophy, Kristanty and Yanti were honored with the Female Operator Pioneer Award. For them, it was a meaningful achievement—winning a top prize on their very first try would have been too many “firsts” at once. Both were grateful to represent Wetar in this prestigious event.

“Thank God I could give my best in this competition,” Kristanty reflected.

For Agus Satari, who along with Muslik accompanied them throughout the championship in Jakarta, that was what mattered most. “Winning is just a bonus for us,” he said.

Agus also shared Wetar Copper Mine’s plan to empower operators further: enabling experienced women operators to train the next generation of local recruits. “And in the future,” he added, “they can compete in even bigger championships.”

For Wetar Copper Mine, the participation of two local women operators in a national event was itself a proud milestone. Agus added that the community empowerment program would continue expanding into other areas, unlocking more potential from people in the mining community.

Kristanty and Yanti share the same determination: to return to the competition, carrying the lessons and experience from this year. They are deeply grateful for the trust given to represent Wetar in this event, especially to Jimmy Bob Soeroto, Head of Mining Engineering at the Wetar Copper Mine, who strongly supported them, and Boyke P. Abidin, President Director of the companies managing the Wetar Copper Mine, who warmly welcomed them in Jakarta.

Their message to other aspiring women operators?

“If others can do it, why can’t we?” Yanti said. “Let’s prove that women can operate machines of any size.”

Kristanty Lendert and Yanti Maryana Pio among fellow operators, from competing to receiving their award.

Artikel From First Experiences to First Award: Two Women Operators from Wetar Copper Mine at the 2025 Operator Championship pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

TIFR (Total Injury Frequency Rate) measures the total frequency of injuries occurring in the workplace, calculated as the number of injuries per one million work hours. The lower the TIFR, the better, as it indicates a safer workplace with a lower risk of injuries. Additionally, LTIR (Lost Time Incident Rate) records the rate of incidents resulting in lost work time, calculated per one hundred employees over a specified period. A lower LTIR means fewer incidents causing employees to take leave due to work-related injuries or illnesses, demonstrating a more efficient and productive workplace with fewer disruptions from workplace accidents.

This improvement builds on Merdeka’s previous health and safety performance achievements, recognized by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) in their Industry Report/Metals and Mining – Non-Precious Metals, which tracked global industry developments in this category up to December 2023.

In that report, MSCI highlighted Merdeka’s zero fatalities from 2020 to 2022. The report also emphasized that Merdeka’s Lost Time Incident Rate (LTIR) and Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) were significantly lower than those of other companies in the Diversified Metals & Mining industry. As of May 30, 2023, Merdeka’s three-year average (2020–2022) LTIR and TRIR were 0.14 and 0.69, respectively, compared to the industry peer averages of 1.4 and 3.1.

Merdeka’s occupational health and safety management system aligns with applicable national regulations and is certified to the ISO 45001:2028 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

Artikel Merdeka’s Health and Safety Performance as Recognized by MSCI Continues to Improve pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

This year, Bakti Merdeka is in collaboration with the Indonesian Children’s Cancer Foundation (YKAI), an institution that has assisted over 5,000 children with cancer from underprivileged families since 2018. YKAI provides support such as medicines, transportation, entertainment, and encouragement, not only to the young patients but also to their parents, partially made possible through partnerships with various entities, including companies like Merdeka.

The inaugural Bakti Merdeka event took place at Flix Cinema, SCBD, South Jakarta, on July 31, 2023. The agenda included Merdeka employees who had registered as volunteers playing games with the children from YKAI throughout the morning until noon. After lunch, the children returned to watch the movie Elemental (2023) together with their parents in the same screening room.

Bakti Merdeka was opened by Tom Malik, the General Manager of Corporate Communication at Merdeka. He expressed gratitude to the participating employees and was delighted that the number of registrants exceeded capacity. Out of 25 registrants, only 18 employees could participate. The children’s participation depended heavily on their medical schedules and health conditions. Due to the illness of two prospective participants, only 16 children took part on the day of the event.

The employees and children aged from 5 to 18 years then engaged in various games, either as individual teams or in groups with other partners. A series of games were held, from eating biscuits placed on foreheads using facial expressions only, to relaying small plastic balls with straws, and stacking plastic cups in a tiered manner. These teamwork-intensive games were carried out in a cohesive, fun, and warm atmosphere.

“I’m happy I got two prizes!” exclaimed Alvino (5 years old), who won the first two games while dancing around.

“The event was fun,” added Syifahliana (8 years old), the winner of the final game. “I also have a message: may the Merdeka’s volunteer always stay healthy.”

The event concluded with a donation of Rp25 million from Merdeka to support YKAI’s programs. The donation was presented by Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, the Chief of External Affairs at Merdeka, to Sallyana Sorongan, the Chairperson of YKAI.

“Everyone should be able to give back to our community,” said Boyke. “This togetherness needs to be continuously fostered in the future.”

The employees involved accompanied the children with joy in their hearts. Rizfa Rendo, an Estimating Manager at Merdeka Mining Services, accompanied Fariz, who was also 11 years old like his own child. “Today, I accompanied them during the games, and even though I lost, we were still happy,” he said. “Luckily, they remained enthusiastic. So, there’s more fun for everyone.”

“This event is heartwarming,” said Ni Luh Dila Wahyu Kinanti, a Project Engineer at Merdeka, who accompanied Alvino, who received the most prizes. “They are so adorable and cute.”

The collaboration with YKAI in Bakti Merdeka will continue until the end of 2023 with various activities and support, including book and gadget donations, knowledge sharing, storytelling, and medical transportation.

“With today’s event, the children are happy, and the parents are happy too,” said Yoldi Tuju, Vice-Chairman of YKAI. “It’s important for children with cancer to feel accepted, that they are entitled to good health and will continue to fight. Events like this strengthen their fighting spirit even more.”

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Artikel Merdeka’s Employees Social Service pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

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The management of IFRC by BSI is a form of Merdeka Group’s commitment to safety in every aspect of mining. BSI also made the IFRC event to support Banyuwangi tourism by placing the main activities in tourist areas: Pulau Merah, Boom Marina Beach, and the Banyuwangi Women’s Building to trigger economic activity. BSI also involves MSMEs and residents to support the event.

The day after IFRC, BSI sent an Emergency Response Team (ERT) and logistical assistance to Cianjur, West Java, which was hit by an earthquake two days earlier. The BSI ERT team, which is often involved in various humanitarian missions in disaster areas, joined the disaster preparedness team under the coordination of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources until early December.

Artikel PT Bumi Suksesindo Hosted the 19th Indonesian Fire and Rescue Challenge. pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

Artikel Merdeka Group Received a Certificate of Participation in COVID-19 Prevention pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

The pandemic is not over, operational challenges are always present. For Merdeka, the only option is to keep moving forward.

Twelve large buses crawled out of the gates of Pos 6 site PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI). The buses contained BSI employees and their family members. “Today, we are going to Krikilan Glenmore Hospital for vaccinations,” said dr. R. Istiko Mahendra, company doctor, in mid-June.

The group arrived at their destination an hour and a half later. They headed straight for the west side of the hospital. In a tent that was set up specifically for this vaccination activity, the hospital has prepared a registration table and staff. Even though there were hundreds of people coming, they didn’t crowd because the chairs were arranged more than a meter apart. They also have to wear masks. In this place, people are asked to submit their ID cards and fill out a registration form.

For those who did not get a seat, the officers asked them to stay away, filling out forms around the area. “Keep your distance, yes,” the hospital official said through the loudspeaker.

Inside the building, the officers were waiting. They are divided into four sections according to their respective tasks: the screening section, the injection section, the certificate printing section, and the drug section. People who have already filled out the form immediately move on to the screening site. Here, officers measure the blood pressure of vaccinated participants and ask about their medical history. If there are no problems, they can be injected with a vaccine and then receive a certificate and medicine. Everyone was given paracetamol after being vaccinated. At Krikilan, employees receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. After this first stage of injection, they will be injected again 12 weeks later.

According to dr. Istiko, BSI collaborated with several agencies to vaccinate employees, including Bhakti Husada Krikilan Hospital, Ar Rohmah Jajag Hospital, Fatimah Hospital Banyuwangi, and the Banyuwangi Kodim. Companies take advantage of unused vaccine quotas because their targets have contraindications, have died, don’t want to be vaccinated, or have moved to another city. “We are targeting 95 percent of employees to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of PT Bumi Suksesindo’s COVID-19 Task Force, Agus Purwanto, said that based on data as of July 28, 2021, 2,582 people had been vaccinated for the first phase, or 63 percent of the target of 4,099 people. In addition, 20 people have received the complete two-dose vaccine. The vaccine recipients consist of employees, contractors, and their families. “Most of them are still in the first stage of vaccination,” he said. Nevertheless, Agus is optimistic that the vaccination target will soon be achieved because the Gotong Royong vaccine has arrived.

The BSI Task Force hopes that this vaccination can contribute to accelerating the creation of group immunity, especially in Pesanggaran. “Because most of the employees and their families live in Pesanggaran,” said Agus.

Vaccination at BSI is a follow-up to the Merdeka group’s serious efforts to deal with COVID-19 for employees and their families. Apart from establishing a task force in each subsidiary, Merdeka also established a Vaccinee Committee Meeting consisting of representatives of the parent company and each subsidiary. This committee is tasked with pursuing vaccinations, one of which is by participating in the Mutual Cooperation Vaccine, a government vaccine program that is funded by business entities and legal entities independently. However, of the vaccines ordered for the needs of 6,668 people, Merdeka only received 2,000 doses of vaccine for a complete vaccination of 1,000 people. Therefore, the committee needs to distribute them carefully, adjusting to the conditions of each site.

In Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo, the health facility appointed to handle the Peak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS) vaccination until the specified deadline in early July 2021 failed to obtain a P-Care application account from the Provincial Health Office. The BPJS Health application, which is used to record the recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine, is one of the conditions for the delivery of the Gotong Royong vaccine by Biofarma, which imports and distributes vaccines. Fortunately, vaccinations by the Gorontalo local government are already running. The Merdeka vaccine committee then directed 40 PETS employees to access the vaccination. However, hastening the vaccination is much better than waiting. Vaccines that cannot be delivered to PETS are transferred to other subsidiaries.

Banyuwangi’s situation is different. The local government vaccination program is already running. Even several hospitals in Banyuwangi still have quite a lot of vaccines that are unused and nearing their expiration date. The vaccine quota was then used by BSI. Considering these conditions, the Merdeka vaccine committee decided to send more vaccines to Batutua Kharisma Permai and Batutua Tembaga Raya (BKP-BTR) on Wetar Island, Southwest Maluku. The location is in remote Indonesia.

On July 4, 2021, Biofarma sent 2,000 doses of vaccines ordered by Merdeka to three locations of health care facilities that collaborate with Merdeka. A total of 176 doses of vaccine can be used for 88 BSI employees to Banyuwangi; 1,600 doses of vaccine (800 employees) for BKP-BTR in Wetar, and 224 doses of vaccine (112 employees) for Merdeka headquarters in Jakarta. The Gotong Royong vaccination is prioritized for employees whose work demands more intense interaction with many parties.

At the Merdeka headquarters, the first dose of Gotong Royong vaccination will be carried out starting July 8, 2021. Apart from relying on the Gotong Royong vaccine, employees of the Merdeka headquarters also access vaccines from various DKI Jakarta government programs. On July 28, 2021, 199 of the 242 employees of the Merdeka head office were recorded to have been vaccinated, either through the Gotong Royong vaccination or other routes. The next day, Merdeka headquarters employees began receiving the second dose of Gotong Royong vaccination.

Meanwhile, BKP-BTR has carried out the first dose of vaccination for a week since 16 July 2021 to all employees and contractors. The vaccination was carried out by the BKP-BTR Clinic paramedic team, in collaboration with Siloam Kupang Hospital and Lurang Health Center. According to Hotmonang F. Sitanggang, Senior Manager Commercial & Human Resources BKP-BTR, and dr. Agus Juanda at the BKP-BTR Clinic, on July 29, 2021, all the Gotong Royong vaccines from Merdeka for 800 people have been used—even not enough because the total vaccine recipients at BKP-BTR are 1,548 people, consisting of employees and contractors at the site. The second dose of vaccination will be carried out on August 6, 2021. Currently, BKP-BTR has also received an additional 42 doses of vaccine that are not used at Merdeka’s headquarters in Jakarta.

In Pohuwato, 37 of the total 44 PETS employees as of 26 July 2021 have been vaccinated through the local government’s vaccination program. Ten of them had received a complete two-dose vaccination. While 27 others have received the first dose of the vaccine. There are only 7 employees who have not received the vaccine. Two of them are COVID-19 survivors who must wait at least three months after testing negative to be vaccinated, one person has comorbidities or comorbidities that need further diagnosis to be vaccinated. The rest are waiting for vaccination in their respective domicile areas.

Merdeka continues to strive to procure vaccines for each of its employees, monitor the vaccination process in each of its subsidiaries, and educate the importance of vaccination to all relevant stakeholders. Vaccination is very important. After all, it will benefit employees, as well as the company because it can maintain the continuity of its operations. In addition, the company environment also benefits because more people have been vaccinated.

The construction of the buttress took place in the Pad A and Pad B areas. According to the Head of the HLO (Heap Leach Operation) Department, Hariadhi Anjar Kusuma, the buttress serves to strengthen the stability of the slopes when the ore is piled up again in that place. In addition, the construction team also installed a piezometer: a geotechnical instrument for measuring water content. With this tool, it is hoped that the occurrence of falling events can be mitigated earlier. Currently, there are still 6 of the 16 tools that will be installed. “Improvements in the heap leach are carried out in several phases by prioritizing operational needs so that the production process continues to run smoothly,” said Anjar.

In addition to repairs on Pad A and Pad B, the company is also accelerating the construction of new leachate reservoirs, namely PLS (pregnant leach solution) and ILS (intermediate leach solution). In general, the repair activities have been running by the production plan that has been targeted by the company. The biggest challenge is when the rainy season arrives, while the PLS and ILS pools have not yet been completed. Under such circumstances, the gold recovery process will be hampered because it is deluded by rainwater in the leach pad area. In conditions like this, more effort is needed to ensure production continues to run according to target.

In addition, the company is also in the process of obtaining a leach pad expansion permit (Pad C). “The total improvement of the leach pad has reached 63 percent,” said Anjar.

Meanwhile, the underground project is still at the pre-feasibility study stage. Workers are still taking samples for analysis. Drilling is carried out at various depths up to a maximum depth of 1,000 meters. It is hoped that this activity will confirm the mineral content, particularly gold and copper, underground. “If it is calculated until the start of production, underground projects are still 20 percent,” said Porphyry Study Project Geologist BSI, M. Hafid Rahadi.

Hafid continued, that the condition of the soft rock beneath the ground is the main obstacle that hinders the pace of project development. “So far it’s still on the track,” he said. However, there is a possibility that the project development timeframe could be longer than planned because the target is based on the project where the rock is harder while the rock in Tumpang Pitu is very soft.

The current length of the tunnel has reached 1,800 meters. Tunnel construction activities have been stopped since mid-2020. As planned, the addition of tunnel depth will be continued again next year on the condition that the data required at the current depth is sufficient.

The story from the Tujuh Bukit site in Banyuwangi is one of the many operational challenges that Merdeka Copper Gold has faced this year. And, Merdeka chose to keep moving forward. At the end of the first quarter of 2021, the good news came one of which was through a change in the composition of Merdeka’s board of directors which gave rise to a new leader.

At the Merdeka General Meeting of Shareholders on May 25, 2021, in Jakarta, Merdeka appointed Albert Saputro as the new President Director, replacing Tri Buwono who resigned. At a very young age, 35 years old, Albert was trusted to take Merdeka to a higher level. Albert himself is not new to the Merdeka environment. In the last five years, he has co-managed Merdeka’s investments through PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk, one of Merdeka’s largest shareholders. “It’s time for me to jump right in,” said Albert. He wants to play a role as a bridge for many parties and is very optimistic about Merdeka.

Another good news from Merdeka is that its performance is increasing. In the first quarter of 2021, Merdeka managed to generate revenue of US$ 46.55 million, which was largely due to increased gold and copper production by Merdeka’s subsidiaries.

Gold production in the first quarter of 2021 managed to reach 16,585 ounces, a significant increase compared to 5,355 ounces—the total production in the fourth quarter of 2020. In April, the first month of the second quarter of 2021, the accumulation of new ore in the Pad B area of ​​BSI caused gold production for that month to decline, from about 5,000 ounces in the previous month to about 4,000 ounces. However, after the ore stacking process was completed, monthly gold production immediately increased dramatically, bringing total gold production in the second quarter of 2021 to 37,779 ounces—more than double the gold production in the first quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, copper production in the first quarter of 2021 managed to reach 2,489 tons, more than double the production in the fourth quarter of 2020, which was 1,017 tons. Copper production in the second quarter of 2021 continues to grow every month. Total copper production in the second quarter of 2021 reached 5,003 tons—more than double the production in the first quarter of 2021. This significant gradual increase is certainly good news for Merdeka.

Starting in the third quarter of 2021, Merdeka will continue to increase its gold and copper production, to achieve the total 2021 gold production target, which is between 100,000–120,000 ounces of gold and 14,000–17,000 tons of copper. That way, by the end of 2021, Merdeka is optimistic to increase its income, more than the previous year.

Apart from handling operational issues, Merdeka continues to develop projects that will improve the company’s performance to achieve its vision to become a leading mining company in Indonesia.

As a subsidiary of Merdeka, BSI is still collecting data to prepare a pre-feasibility study for underground copper mines or what is commonly known as an underground project. The ore potential under pit A Tujuh Bukit is no joke, it can reach 1.9 billion tons, consisting of 8.7 million ounces of copper and 28.3 million ounces of gold. The world-class ore content can be compared to Bukit Hijau copper in Sumbawa and Grasberg in Timika.

The exploration process, which began with infrastructure development and drilling completed in June 2020, was carried out to investigate the amount, shape, and grade of ore content—how high the copper content is, what associated minerals are, and to what extent these associated minerals add to its economic value. and no less important, how to transport it. The more data generated, the more basis for planning the most appropriate mining method, including measuring infrastructure requirements. Recording of the existing condition of the coastal environment is also carried out which will be the basis for future environmental monitoring activities.

BSI’s attention also falls on the process of separating copper, gold, and other minerals from mined ores. Because the underground rock structure is different from the oxide rock on the surface, it is estimated that the mineral extraction method of this underground mine will be different from the heap leach method currently being carried out at the Tujuh Bukit open pit.

The plan is that ore processing will be carried out through the process of crushing, grinding, flotation, and drying. This process aims to separate copper, gold, and other valuable minerals from the ore. The remainder of this separation process is called tailings, the material is in the form of fine sand left over from ore processing. Typically, tailings are stored in a special dam or Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). The tailings that have been deposited in the solid material settling pond in the dam will be processed first at the waste management installation, before finally when they are safe from hazardous chemicals, flowed into the river. Another method of tailings placement is Deep Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP), which is the placement of tailings in the deep sea using pipes. Gravity and deep-sea currents will keep the tailings on the deep-sea floor. Deep-sea water has a low dissolved oxygen level, which inhibits the possibility of tailings chemical reactions occurring.

Currently, BSI is considering which tailings placement method is the most appropriate and environmentally safe. The results of the pre-feasibility study are planned to be completed by the end of 2021, and to be submitted to the government for an operating permit.

In Morowali, Central Sulawesi, Merdeka will begin the development of an existing operation, marked by the completion of a feasibility study for the Acid, Iron, Metal (AIM) Project. This project is a further innovation from the Batutua Kharisma Permai and Batutua Tembaga Raya copper mining and processing companies (BKP-BTR).

As in the Tujuh Bukit operation, BKP as a copper mining company also applies an open-pit mine. BKP also uses the heap leach method to extract copper content. It is the extracted copper that has been transferred to BTR to be processed into copper plates.

However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that not all mineral content can be extracted from the leachate. The fine rock or ore that is piled up in the leachate still contains residual minerals of economic value, one of which is pyrite—the raw material for batteries. This opens a new opportunity to extract the remaining ore piles in the leachate which will become a new source of income for Merdeka.

To that end, Merdeka cooperated with Eternal Tsingshan Group Limited and established PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI) which will run and operate the AIM Project, with a composition of 80 percent owned by Merdeka and 20 percent by Tsingshan.

MTI will be established in an industrial complex in Morowali, consisting of various factories that will be the consumers of most of the mineral content extracted by MTI. That way, the presence of MTI will add to the production chain in Wetar. BKP mines and produces copper extract, while the results are then processed into copper plates by BTR. Meanwhile, the remaining ore from leaching at BKP will be transported by MTI to be processed and the product sold to factories that are still in the same complex as MTI.

Currently, Merdeka is in the process of obtaining permits for the establishment of the MTI factory, as well as establishing a special port to transport ore from the BTR leachate to MTI. It is planned that the construction of the MTI plant will begin in the second quarter of 2021. MTI is targeted to start production in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“Freedom’s investment in the AIM project is approximately USD 300 million over two years, with USD 100 million to be executed in 2021. AIM’s products to be commercialized are sulfuric acid and steam with expected revenue of USD 170 million per year for more than 20 years, “said Albert Saputro, President Director of Merdeka.

Meanwhile, the negotiations between Merdeka and J Resource regarding the gold mining plan in Pani are still ongoing. If running smoothly, the Pani Project is projected to produce more than 250,000 ounces of gold per year for 15 years.

Albert Saputro believes that the Merdeka Group will undergo an important transition in the next ten years to become a larger company to support new developments in operations and projects in the future, with a longer operating life. He also imagines that Merdeka can always be an option for anyone who wants to cooperate in mineral mining projects. “I want us to be partners of choice.”

In the last two years, the Merdeka Group has never been free from challenges. However, with the immediate completion of the repair of the leachate platform and the construction of a new leachate reservoir at BSI, the potential for production of the BSI underground project, and the commencement of construction of the AIM project in Morowali, Albert is optimistic about the future of Merdeka. According to Albert, the key to that vision is to continue to be professional and everyone must be held accountable. “Both are a reflection of respect,” said Albert.

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The ERT team is at the forefront of disaster management at the site. However, their service is not limited within the fence of mining operations.

The task of PT Bumi Suksesindo’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) is not only on site. They must also be ready to volunteer in the event of a disaster outside the site, both in the Banyuwangi area and outside Banyuwangi. To this day, PT BSI’s ERT has been deployed in several disaster locations, including the flood in Songgon, the flood in Ringinagung, the tsunami in Pandeglang, the earthquake in Palu, and the earthquake in Aceh. During their external assignment, ERT helps the evacuation process, distributes basic necessities, cleans up the remnants of damage, and others as needed.

“Usually we are sent for eight to ten days, with eight to sixteen people,” said PT BSI’s ERT captain, Edy Sunaryono, or who is often called Yoyon.

In each location, ERT always works under the coordination of the National Disaster Management Agency. The team sent from Banyuwangi is used to combing the most affected points and rescuing victims trapped in the rubble of buildings. That’s why ERT members are not only paramedics, but also heavy equipment operators.

Being a volunteer means being ready to face high-risk conditions. The team experienced interesting stories as well as challenges while volunteering, one of which was when they volunteered for the earthquake disaster in Palu in 2018. While there, the team felt several aftershocks. ERT who left for Lombok in 2018 also had a similar experience tasting the aftershocks that were quite frightening. In addition, they had run out of supplies.

“The challenge is more like a test of guts, really. It’s like, when everyone runs away from the disaster, we come closer,” said Yoyon.

According to Yoyon, the risk must be faced. At first it was not easy, including convincing families who were very worried when they left for the disaster site. One thing that strengthens the heart of ERT BSI is the fact that some of its members are local Banyuwangi residents who have experienced the disaster firsthand, so there is a solidarity that has been built by itself.

Pesanggaran sub-district, where PT BSI operates, is one of the areas that has the potential to be disaster-prone. The landscape of Pesanggaran is quite diverse, from the coast to the hills, making some areas have the potential to experience disasters, ranging from floods, landslides, to tsunamis. The tsunami that occurred in 1994 is still clearly remembered by the people in Pesanggaran. Of the five villages in Pesanggaran District, four of them are disaster-prone areas, namely Sumberagung, Pesanggaran, Kandangan, and Sarongan.

“The four villages have formed a disaster-resilient team, all of whose members are ready to volunteer,” said Anang Supriyadi, one of Tagana’s activists and volunteers.

Disaster response awareness and attitude must be owned by all communities. Starting to recognize the signs of a disaster, to knowing the mitigation steps when a disaster strikes.

This is where ERT has a role as a facilitator in the Disaster Risk & Simulation Study program, one of which was carried out in early 2020 at the Kandangan Village Hall and continued on the hillside of Sumberdadi Hamlet for field practice. In this training organized by the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum, ERT taught techniques as well as hands-on practice in terms of moving to a safe place for erosion victims, such as the use of rigging, stretchers, and the first aid process. What is exciting is that in every training, the participants always show high enthusiasm, even though at first some people take the training material lightly.

“Through this training, the volunteers are expected to become more resilient, responsive, and agile people,” said Anang. In addition to providing training to volunteers who incidentally are adults, according to Anang the training should also be for children because they have high memory and a sense of sensitivity. “Aware that disasters are the responsibility of various parties, both from the government, the community, as well as business entities. The three pillars must synergize and be balanced, “added Anang. Therefore, the existence of training can also increase the preparedness of various parties.

“Hopefully when we return to the community, we can have a positive impact and contribute to managing risk management,” said Andi Jurito, a volunteer from Sumberagung.

A mining company like BSI must have an ERT. Without them, the mine cannot be operated. ERT members themselves consist of selected personnel from each department and are specially trained by BASARNAS (National Search and Rescue Agency). Every day, if there is no emergency, they do exercise and sports. Apart from that, what they routinely do include overseeing the implementation of alarm and shutdown tests, as well as being alert if there are events that require alertness such as landslides.

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