PT Bukit Asam Launches Coal Conversion Project into Battery Material, Collaborates with Brin and UGM
PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) officially launched a post-mining processing project as part of the national coal downstream strategy. This project is a form of support for government policies from the era of President Joko Widodo to the ongoing administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
Collaborate with Brin and UGM, focus on Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet
President Director of PTBA, Arsal Ismail, revealed that the company cooperates with National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in a pilot project (Pilot Project) conversion of coal to Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet—Two important materials in the manufacture of lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries.
initial launch of the project (Soft launching) has been done in Tanjung Enim Industrial Estate on July 15, 2024.
“Pilot Project convert coal to Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet This can be a significant breakthrough in the coal processing process,” said Arsal at a press conference at the Westin Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (14/4/2025).
Commitment to downstream and energy independence
Arsal emphasized that this project is a form of PTBA’s commitment to supporting the downstreaming of coal and the development of the national energy industry. He said this initiative was in line with the energy independence and encourage growth Electric Vehicle Ecosystem in the country.
“From a business perspective, the market Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet It’s there. Friends at the Ministry of Industry also see a big opportunity,” he explained.
Even so, he stated that the project was still in the Feasibility Study (FS). The target is that FS will be completed by the end of this year, construction will be completed next year, and will begin to enter the commercialization stage in the following year.
Support Net Zero Emission 2060 Target
In addition to the downstreaming of coal, PTBA also continues to strive for the development of Renewable Alternative Energy (EAT). According to Arsal, this step is part of the company’s contribution in achieving Target Net Zero Emission (NZE) which was announced by the government for 2060.
