As Copper Concentrate Export Relaxation Nears End, Amman Mineral Accelerates Smelter Operations
JAKARTA — PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN) is accelerating the process of increasing capacity (ramp-up) of its copper smelter ahead of the expiry of copper concentrate export relaxation in April 2026.
Vice President for Corporate Communications at Amman Mineral, Kartika Octaviana, stated that the company’s smelter has resumed operations following a shutdown in July 2025 due to force majeure.
The copper smelter, located in West Sumbawa District, West Nusa Tenggara Province, is now entering the commissioning phase with gradual operational increases.
The force majeure at Amman’s copper smelter resulted from damage to the flash converting furnace (FCF) unit and the sulphuric acid plant.
The smelter is operated through its subsidiary, PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT), with a capacity to process 900,000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually, and a target production of 220,000 tonnes of copper cathode.
According to Kartika, repairs to the damaged smelter components are progressing faster than planned.
“So far it’s been quite good, even faster than we expected. The thing is, smelting isn’t our area of expertise, so we’re dealing with new elements. What we hope is that while we’re in this learning process, we can also make improvements. So the ramp-up can proceed according to expectations,” she explained.
Regarding the copper concentrate export relaxation expiring in April 2026, Kartika said the company remains focused on improving smelter operations and has not yet decided whether to apply for an extension of the relaxation.
“As far as we’re concerned, we haven’t declared yet whether we’ll apply again or not. We’re focusing on the current situation first. We are trying our best to get things running smoothly quickly, and ensure the ramp-up also progresses accordingly,” she stated.
“There’s still about one and a half months remaining. Many things could happen. But so far the repairs are quite good, even faster than we expected,” she concluded.
Previously, Amman received copper concentrate export relaxation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of 480,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt), valid for six months from 31 October 2025 to April 2026.
Amman had requested the copper concentrate export relaxation from the government following the force majeure affecting its smelter facility.