Bridging Industry and Education: Mining Sector Strengthens Modern Workforce Competencies

The effort to strengthen the quality and competence of human resources in the mining sector continues to be accelerated through strategic collaboration with higher education institutions. Through a cooperation agreement signed with Universitas Sembilanbelas November (USN) Kolaka in April 2026, PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama facilitated the signing of an Academic Software Licence Agreement between Micromine Australia Pty Ltd and USN Kolaka on Tuesday (15/7) at the USN Kolaka Auditorium. The event was attended by officials from the Kolaka Regency Government, legislative members, university leaders, educators, a representative from Micromine Australia Pty Ltd, and various other stakeholders. Kolaka Regency DPRD Chairman I Ketut Arjana and Commission III Chairman Israfil Sanusi Caco were also present to show support for strengthening collaboration between the education sector, industry, and government in developing mining human resources in Kolaka Regency. This partnership is part of an effort to strengthen synergy between industry, universities, and government to improve the quality of higher education while preparing mining human resources with competencies aligned with technological developments and the needs of modern industry. Through this agreement, USN Kolaka obtained 10 academic licences for Micromine software, a mining software widely used by global mining companies. The software supports various stages of mining activities, from exploration and geological modelling to resource estimation, mine planning, and production operations. The facilitation of these academic licences was supported by Ceria with a contribution valued at approximately Rp10 billion. Access to this technology is expected to enhance the quality of learning, strengthen research activities, and provide students with practical experience using software applied directly in the mining industry. For USN Kolaka, this partnership represents a strategic step in strengthening a science and technology-based educational transformation. As a developing public university in Southeast Sulawesi, USN Kolaka is committed to improving the quality of education, research, and learning to better align with industry needs. The signing ceremony was attended by Kolaka Regency Government officials, USN Kolaka leadership, educators, a Micromine Australia Pty Ltd representative, and PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama management, including President Director Abdul Haris Tatang, Chief Operating Officer Yusram Rantesalu, Corporate Affairs Director Djen Rizal, Human Capital & Employee Service Director Asep Susilo, and HSE, Sustainability & Management System Director Krishna Ismaputra. Dr. H. Muh. Azikin, Expert Staff to the Regent of Kolaka for Economy, Finance, and Development, stated that the collaboration between Ceria, USN Kolaka, and Micromine Australia is a strategic step in preparing the younger generation to make a real contribution to regional development. USN Kolaka Rector Nur Ihsan expressed appreciation for the support and ongoing collaboration with PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama. He noted that increasing mining investment in Southeast Sulawesi has heightened the industry’s demand for graduates with technological competence. He added that mining engineering students are now required not only to understand geology and mining disciplines but also to possess geospatial data analysis skills, proficiency in industry software, leadership, and teamwork abilities. The Rector further explained that USN Kolaka continues to develop internship programmes and case study-based research with mining companies to ensure that students’ theoretical understanding aligns with global industry operational standards. Through this Academic Software Licence Agreement, USN Kolaka can legally use Micromine Origin & Beyond software for educational, training, and research purposes in geology and mining exploration. Micromine Australia Pty Ltd representative Fransiskus Nugroho stated that the future of Indonesia’s mining industry will be heavily influenced by three main pillars: the utilisation of real-time integrated data, the application of artificial intelligence and automation, and a commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices. He explained that mining software is no longer just a supporting tool but has become the operational brain connecting all processes from exploration to production, and that the use of Micromine technology can significantly improve work efficiency, reducing mine planning time from approximately two weeks to just two days.