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PTBA and BRIN Develop Coal as Li-ion Battery Raw Material
WINDONESIA July 15, 2024
The initial launch of the pilot project for artificial graphite and anode sheets at the BACBIE SEZ on Jul. 15, 2024. The launch was attended by MIND ID Portfolio and Business Development Director Dilo Seno Widagdo, PTBA President Director Arsal Ismail, PT
Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID) subsidiary Bukit Asam (PTBA) has initiated a pilot project to convert coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery raw materials in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
This conversion of coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets is the first in the world. Artificial graphite is a key material for anode production. An anode sheet is an electrode where oxidation reactions occur (the positive pole), one of the essential components for Li-ion batteries.
The soft launch of the pilot project for artificial graphite and anode sheets took place at the Bukit Asam Coal-Based Industrial Estate (BACBIE) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Tanjung Enim Subdistrict, Lawang Kidul District, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province on Jul. 15, 2024. Attendees included MIND ID Portfolio and Business Development Director Dilo Seno Widagdo, PTBA President Director Arsal Ismail, PTBA's board of directors, and BRIN Research Utilization and Innovation in Industry Director Mulyadi Sinung Harjono.
In his speech, Dilo stated that all companies under the MIND ID Group are committed to optimizing the added value of Indonesia's mineral and coal resources.
This commitment is fulfilled through the mandate to manage strategic resources and reserves, conduct downstream processing, and achieve market leadership to become a world-class company.
The pilot project for the conversion of coal is expected to continue to the commercial stage. Dilo emphasized that the project's sustainability requires deep economic analysis and support.
"MIND ID focuses on supporting the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem. Therefore, this potential must be fully supported by the entire MIND ID Group," he said in a press release.
He claimed that the project is a strategic step that not only supports PTBA's business diversification but also strengthens its position in the EV battery supply chain in the future.
Meanwhile, Arsal Ismail stated that the development of coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets reflects PTBA's commitment to supporting government policies in promoting coal downstream processing and maintaining national energy security.
"Bukit Asam aims to provide uninterrupted energy for the nation. One of our efforts is to realize a coal industry using clean technology in Indonesia," he said.
Arsal noted that the implementation of coal-based anode sheets is the first in the world, making it a significant breakthrough in coal downstream processing.
"The development of coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets will also support the advancement of the domestic electric vehicle industry," he added.
The demand for artificial graphite and anode sheets is expected to increase in the future, in line with the growth of the electric vehicle industry.
Source: nasional.kompas.com