PANGKALPINANG -- Tin downstreaming is one of the government’s main strategies to strengthen national industrial resilience and drive sustainable economic growth.
As the world’s largest tin producer, Indonesia has vast potential to optimize the added value of this commodity through downstreaming. PT Timah Tbk, a state-representing tin mining company, has implemented tin downstreaming through its subsidiary, PT Timah Industri.
PT Timah Industri processes tin ingots into various products such as tin solder, tin solder powder, and tin chemicals, which have already entered the global market. The company's plant capacity continues to be increased.
The downstreaming carried out by PT Timah aligns with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita vision to continue downstream initiatives and the government's policy to reduce the export of raw minerals while promoting exports of value-added products.
As a strategic commodity, tin plays a vital role in supporting the development of the energy, technology, and manufacturing industries. PT Timah’s downstreaming efforts are not only focused on increasing product value but also on developing associated by-product metals that could support the energy transition, including rare earth elements (REE).
REEs are considered strategic commodities due to their importance in high-tech industries such as semiconductor chip manufacturing, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and defense equipment.
PT Timah Tbk is currently developing rare earth elements, by-products of tin mining, by establishing a RE(OH) pilot plant in Tanjung Ular, West Bangka Regency.
Recently, the Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Science (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D., expressed full support for PT Timah Tbk's efforts in processing and utilizing rare earth minerals in Indonesia.
According to him, the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Science will involve universities and research institutions to strengthen REE processing research so Indonesia can fully optimize its potential.
“We’ll carry out several studies, develop a pilot plant, and try to move as quickly as possible. I appreciate PT Timah’s strong support and collaboration on this,” he said.
With continuous research and innovation, by-product mineral development will become a new pillar for national industrial independence while positioning Indonesia to play a larger role in the global supply chain.
On the occasion of the National Mining and Energy Day, PT Timah Tbk, as one of the world’s largest tin producers, reaffirms its strategic role in supporting the government’s agenda through a forward-looking downstreaming program.
“PT Timah continues to strengthen tin downstreaming and REE development so that these strategic commodities can provide optimal benefits for the nation,” said PT Timah Tbk’s Corporate Secretary, Rendi Kurniawan.
Rendi emphasized that tin is a raw material used in developing green technologies, including electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and energy storage devices. Through downstreaming, PT Timah is not only reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a global tin producer but also establishing itself as a key player in the global renewable energy ecosystem.
“Downstreaming must go hand in hand with environmentally responsible mining practices. Land reclamation programs and community empowerment around operational areas are essential parts of building a sustainable mining ecosystem,” Rendi added.
“The Mining Day momentum reminds us all that mineral resource management must deliver the greatest benefit to society, the nation, and the state while ensuring environmental sustainability,” he concluded.
Through its commitment to downstreaming, by-product mineral development, and sustainable mining practices, PT Timah hopes to make a greater contribution to national development.
