PT Bukit Asam to Convert Coal to Battery Raw Materials

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) launched a pilot project to convert coal into artificial graphite and anode sheets to make -ion (Li-ion) . It is claimed to be in line with the Asta Cita promoted by the government and PTBA's vision to become a world-class energy company that cares about the environment.

PTBA's Director of Business Development, Rafli Yandra, said the trial project was an effort to make coal an important raw material for the electric vehicle industry. "The development of Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet can be an important breakthrough in coal downstreaming. In addition, it will also support the progress of the domestic electric vehicle industry," he said in an official statement quoted on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

The inaugural launch of the pilot project Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet was carried out in Tanjung Enim Industrial Estate on July 15, 2024. PTBA also collaborated with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in the pilot project.

Artificial Graphite is the main component in making anodes, which act as electrodes in batteries, while Anode Sheet is a vital part of the oxidation process to produce electrical energy. "The development of products such as Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet is a breakthrough that can encourage the progress of the electric vehicle industry," he said.

PTBA is also developing another downstream coal product, humic acid, in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Humic acid, which functions as an organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility, entered the prototype stage on 12 December 2024 at IUP Peranap, Indragiri Hulu, Riau, and will continue with further development stages.

"Downstream products such as humic acid also support the government's Asta Cita program in realizing food self-sufficiency," Rafli said.

In the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) sector, PTBA utilizes ex-mining land for the development of solar power plants (PLTS) located in Ombilin (West Sumatra) and Tanjung Enim (South Sumatra), which have a PLTS potential of 200 Megawatt-peak (MWp). In addition, PLTS have been built, including at Soekarno-Hatta Airport since October 2020, on the Bali-Mandara toll road and with PT Semen Baturaja Tbk.

"With these various breakthroughs, PTBA is committed to continuing to support downstreaming and NRE development for national , economic development, and community welfare," he said.

DANI ASWARA | MARTHA WARTA SILABAN

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