Indonesia's Airlangga Hartarto Visits CNGR Integrated Industrial Facility in Southern China

Qinzhou, INTI – Following his participation in the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, visited CNGR’s integrated industrial facility in Qinzhou, southern China. This facility, strategically located about 90 km from Nanning and near Southeast Asia, is a significant player in the global energy materials industry. During the visit, Minister Airlangga was welcomed by CNGR Chairman Deng Wei Ming.

Strengthening Ties in Energy Material Technology

Chairman Deng reaffirmed CNGR's commitment to collaborating with leading Indonesian universities to advance the diversification of industrial material technology for new energy in Indonesia. “CNGR is committed to working with top universities in Indonesia to develop diversified industrial material technologies for new energy,” said Chairman Deng.

CNGR, recognized as a global leader in new energy materials, is a prominent Chinese company specializing in nickel processing from upstream to downstream operations. The company is at the forefront of energy material development and innovation, focusing on technological diversification, global expansion, operational digitization, and creating an eco-friendly industry.

Massive Investments in Indonesia

CNGR has announced plans to invest IDR 168.2 trillion over the next 20 years. Since 2021, the company has already invested IDR 32.1 trillion in Indonesia, establishing nickel processing facilities in Morowali, North Morowali, Weda Bay, and Batulicin.

The company is also developing the Green Tech Industrial Park Konasara (KITHK) in North Konawe, covering more than 5,000 hectares. This facility, set to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2024, is expected to create 28,000 local jobs.

Innovative and Sustainable Practices

To ensure sustainable natural resource management and the resilience of Indonesia’s mineral reserves, CNGR utilizes the innovative Oxygen Enriched Side Blown Furnace (OESBF) technology. This world-first technology processes a broader range of nickel ore grades, enhances energy efficiency, minimizes carbon emissions, and produces environmentally friendly waste that other industries can utilize.

Additionally, leveraging Indonesia’s mineral downstream policy, CNGR has successfully produced 99.99% pure electrolytic nickel (Nickel Cathode). As of May 23, 2024, Indonesian nickel is now part of the supply chain on the London Metal Exchange (LME).

On-Site Technological Insights

During his visit, Minister Airlangga reviewed various industrial facilities, including the OESBF technology for mineral reserve sustainability and the electrolytic nickel facility using centrifuge extraction technology. He also examined precursor production technology for lithium battery materials. CNGR has been a top global supplier of precursors for the lithium battery industry, catering to major companies like Tesla, Samsung, LG, SK, and Panasonic, for the past four years.

Minister Airlangga encouraged CNGR to support the development of R&D materials for new energy in collaboration with Indonesian universities, particularly the Faculty of Engineering at Gajah Mada University (FT UGM).

Collaborative Efforts for Research and Development

This collaboration aims to establish the Metal Energy R&D Center or the Energy Material Research and Development Center. FT UGM will drive the development of its Engineering Research Innovation Center, which currently focuses on recycling, rare earth elements, and Indonesia’s material deposits. With CNGR’s support, the focus will shift more towards materials for new energy.

Accompanying Minister Airlangga on this visit were Prof. Selo, Dean of FT UGM, Prof. Tumiran, and Prof. Bayu Himawan. Following this visit, CNGR’s Chief Expert, Shuo Yin, from the General Institute of Research CNGR, will lead a delegation to UGM to further this collaboration.