PTBA Targets Restart of Mining in Ombilin by End of 2026
PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) is finalising the reactivation process for the Ombilin coal mine located in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. The company targets the start of open-pit mining activities by the end of 2026.
PTBA’s Director of Operations and Production, Ilham Yacob, stated that current preparations are centred on completing the Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal). The environmental assessment process is estimated to take up to six months before proceeding to the next stages.
“Our current timeline for Ombilin specifically involves the Amdal process, and we hope it can be completed within six months, possibly accelerated,” said Ilham during the company’s performance presentation in Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
He explained that the reactivation target aligns with expectations from the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI). If all permitting processes, including the relocation of high-voltage transmission lines (Sutet), proceed smoothly, production at Ombilin is hoped to begin earlier than the initial 2027 plan.
“Danantara’s expectation was originally for 2027 in the plan, but we hope by the end of 2026 we can start mining in the open pit at Ombilin,” he added.
The Ombilin mine has a long history and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore, preparations for the Amdal and Feasibility Study (FS) are necessary before mining resumes.
“There are subsequent steps, including the FS, which can run in parallel after the Amdal, and also the relocation of Sutet, which is an operational process and something reasonable that we must go through first,” he added.
In the future, once open-pit mining operates, PTBA plans to develop the underground mining phase. The reactivation is expected not only to optimise the remaining reserves of around 102 million tonnes of coal but also to boost the local economy in the area.
“And we hope to open the open pit, and afterwards, in parallel next time, we will carry out underground mining,” he concluded.