Antam's Pongkor Gold Mine Lifespan Could Be Extended, Here Are the Conditions
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The state-owned mining industry holding company MIND ID is targeting an extension of the operational period for the gold mine owned by PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) in Pongkor, West Java. This is due to the company’s projections for the Pongkor gold mine, whose operational lifespan is expected to last only until 2030.
MIND ID’s President Director, Maroef Sjamsoeddin, stated that efforts to extend the Pongkor gold mine’s lifespan are hindered by regulations on forest area status and coordination with the local government. This stems from changes in the land status in the underground mining operational area.
“Antam alone, up to now, its strength is already at its neck’s end because it only relies on the legal one, only Pongkor in Bogor. Even that can only hold until 2030,” he said during a Hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
Maroef mentioned that the mine’s location in West Java is experiencing legal uncertainty over land status following changes in regional designation by the local government. However, certainty of area status is crucial for the company’s ability to plan long-term exploration and production.
“There is a regulatory obstacle related to the West Java regional government. There was a change in forest area status. Previously it wasn’t a forest area, then it changed again to become a forest area,” he said.
Therefore, they hope for support from parliament to help synchronise regulations between relevant ministries and the local government. This is seen as the main condition to provide legal certainty for Antam’s operations so that operations in the area can continue.
“This is one of the things we might request assistance from the honourable members to help extend Antam’s breath, especially in Pongkor,” he emphasised.
For context, Antam is actively seeking new gold reserve sources, including exploring opportunities abroad. This follows the thinning gold reserves at the Gold Mining Business Unit (UBPE) Pongkor.
Previously, Antam’s President Director, Untung Budiharto, revealed that gold production from UBPE Pongkor is currently below 1 tonne per year, even just around 450 kilograms (kg) per year.
“We are currently only able to produce below 1 tonne, even 450 kg per year, so this is very minimal and the only gold mine owned by Pongkor in Antam,” Untung stated during a Hearing with Commission VI of the DPR RI recently.
Therefore, to meet production needs, Antam has relied on various sources. From buyback programmes, purchases from domestic refineries, to imports from abroad if there is a supply shortage.
On the other hand, the company has also been assigned to conduct exploration of new reserve sources domestically. This activity will begin with social studies in several regions, including East Java.
“It’s just that the time can’t be quick. If I ask, it takes 5 years before it can be mined, to obtain the reserves and resources there,” he said.
In addition to domestic exploration activities, Antam is also preparing several other strategies to strengthen gold reserves. One of them is exploring expansion opportunities abroad, including in Saudi Arabia.
“And exploring overseas opportunities that we are currently doing in Saudi Arabia. This strategy is designed to balance the optimisation of existing assets with opening new growth opportunities,” Untung said.