An increase in demand and downstream processing in Indonesia is set to create fresh opportunities for Australian companies in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.
This comes as global demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries will increase demand in Indonesia’s nickel industry – as well as demand for other minerals. The ban on exports of certain raw mineral ores in Indonesia has led to an expansion of domestic processing capacity for nickel, coal, and bauxite.
Net zero modelling by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that the annual value of Indonesia’s critical minerals production will likely exceed USD$30 billion by 2030.
The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) gives Australian businesses advantages in Indonesia, including tariff-free access for 99 per cent of Australian goods exports and greater certainty around investments into Indonesia.
Australian METS companies can leverage the country’s reputation for high-quality METS products and services. Specifically, Australian METS companies are well-placed to meet growing demand for technology and services that improve productivity, efficiency and safety.
There will be more opportunities for Australian METS companies to access Indonesian projects as the country develops greater downstream refining and processing capabilities.
Australian METS companies can also help local companies meet higher ESG standards that will be a requirement to sell into global supply chains.
Mining is a key contributor to Indonesia’s gross domestic product. Since 2014, the Indonesian Government has banned exports of certain raw mineral ores to encourage onshore processing.
Bauxite is likely to be added to the export-ban list in June 2023. This should accelerate growth in bauxite processing facilities for alumina. In Indonesia, there is a close connection between export bans and downstream development, according to analysts.There are eight bauxite smelters under construction in Indonesia, with a further four planned.
Processed nickel exports rose from USD$1 billion in 2015 to USD$30 billion in 2022. Indonesia is projected to account for half of the world’s increase in nickel production by 2025.
Production is driven by fast-growing global demand. The global EV industry, for example, is expected to become increasingly reliant on Indonesia’s vast nickel reserves.
Indonesia is seeking to become a hub for EV battery production. There are plans to build lithium refineries and facilities for anode material production.
Indonesian targets call for 695 million tonnes of coal production in 2023 and 518 million tonnes of exports.
The country also aims to develop downstream activities in multiple coal-related areas, including:
- Coal liquefaction
- Quality enhancement
- Gasification
- Coke manufacturing
- Underground coal gasification
- Briquette manufacturing
- Coal-water mixture production
In September 2023, Austrade alongside State Government partners, will host an Australia Pavilion at Mining Indonesia 2023 with the intention of showcasing Australian mining and METS capabilities to customers from Indonesia and across Southeast Asia.
