EV Energy Transition Towards Green Mining in South Kalimantan
The inclusion of electric-powered automotive products, from motorcycles and cars to heavy equipment, was a particular draw at the annual trade and development exhibition (Kalsel Expo) 2026, held from 12 to 18 August 2026 at the South Kalimantan provincial government office complex in Banjarbaru. The electric vehicle exhibition forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to promoting efficiency and realising environmentally friendly mining activities.
Giant trucks and a number of heavy equipment units, including loaders and excavators from GM Mobil, succeeded in attracting the attention of visitors throughout the exhibition. “There are many interesting things at Kalsel Expo 2026 this year, including the automotive exhibition featuring electric-powered cars and heavy equipment, or EVs. This is part of our commitment to encouraging a more environmentally friendly energy transition,” said Head of the South Kalimantan Trade Office, Ahmad Bagiawan, during a tour of the exhibition stands on Monday (17/8).
He said that the development of electric vehicles, including their use in the mining sector through the electrification of mining equipment, has been quite positive, although it still needs to be continuously promoted. “Electric motorcycles and cars continue to grow, with more members of the public, regional governments and institutions using them. Likewise, the use of electric vehicles and heavy equipment in the mining sector,” said Ahmad Bagiawan.
South Kalimantan is home to hundreds of coal mining companies, ranging from small-scale operations to large Coal Mining Concession Work Agreement holders, with production in 2025 reaching 237.8 million tonnes, or 28.4 percent of total national production. The commitment to energy transition, including through the adoption of EVs, remains a challenge.
Zainuddin, a business consultant for the XCMG brand at GM Mobil, said that a number of coal mining companies in South Kalimantan have switched to electric vehicles, the largest being PT BIB in Tanah Bumbu. He explained that EVs offer many advantages, including fuel efficiency and field performance that has already been tested.
“These EVs use batteries, and the cost per kWh is far cheaper when compared with the cost of diesel fuel. Equally important is our shared commitment to creating clean and environmentally friendly energy,” he said. Hundreds of XCMG trucks and heavy equipment units are currently in use by mining companies in South Kalimantan.
The South Kalimantan provincial government continues to encourage the private sector to undertake an energy transition through the development of new and renewable energy potential in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create green energy. “The energy transition is a necessity,” said Acting Head of the South Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Endarto.
He assessed that the commitment of the private sector, especially companies operating in the plantation and mining sectors in South Kalimantan, to developing renewable energy is very strong. Renewable energy is considered to provide benefits in the form of efficiency or cost savings in energy use, in addition to contributing to the creation of clean energy. “Several companies connected to export markets are currently required to develop renewable energy as a condition set by destination countries,” said Endarto.
The provincial government is also encouraging the use of former mining pits for renewable energy development through the construction of solar panel plants on voids, as well as small-scale hydroelectric and wind power plants for the internal needs of companies and communities surrounding mining areas.
Data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Office records that the renewable energy mix in South Kalimantan reached 15.1 percent in 2025, and under the Regional Energy General Plan it is targeted to increase to 16.8 percent in 2026 and 20 percent by 2029. So far, the renewable energy sources most developed in South Kalimantan are solar power, biogas and biomass. “The use of EVs continues to increase. In addition, companies have adopted B50 in accordance with the central government’s mandate,” added Endarto.
The adoption of EVs in the mining sector represents a step forward, shifting mining operations from dependence on fossil fuels towards renewable energy, moving towards environmentally friendly mining practices and supporting the Net Zero Emission target.