The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reinstated the operating permit for PT Gag Nickel, located in Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua. According to Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at ESDM, the approval followed a comprehensive evaluation process involving the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Environment (KLH).
A key factor in granting the permit was PT Gag Nickel's PROPER Hijau designation -- a green compliance rating recognizing the company's environmental management efforts.
PT Gag Nickel, a subsidiary of state-owned PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM), holds a Contract of Work (KK) for mining activities on Gag Island. While the ESDM's Mineral and Coal Directorate General has issued its operating permit since 2017, the mine was previously managed under a foreign-operated Work Contract (KK).
Originally, Asia Pacific Nickel Pty Ltd (APN) held a 75% stake in PT Gag Nickel, with PT Antam Tbk owning 25%. However, in 2008, PT Antam Tbk successfully acquired all shares of APN, taking full control of the company. PT Gag Nickel now manages a mining area of 13,136 hectares under an operating permit valid from November 30, 2017, through November 30, 2047.
Written by Cora Ji, jiruyan@mysteel.com
