PANGKALPINANG – Facing the challenges of declining tin reserves in Indonesia and the ever-evolving global business dynamics, PT Timah continues to be agile in conducting exploration activities to increase tin reserves.
As a state-owned enterprise, PT Timah implements integrated mining operations, starting from exploration, production, and post-mining activities. In recent years, PT Timah has been actively pursuing exploration, including introducing innovative exploration technologies such as the Geo Bonanza Drill Ship (KB Geo Bonanza).
KB Geo Bonanza is designed to tackle complex field challenges, such as operating in deep tin reserves and areas with harsh weather conditions. This exploration vessel features the latest drilling technology utilizing coring systems and vibration methods, supported by a Jack-Up Platform system for positioning. This platform allows the rig to be elevated above water level using four-point spud constructions, providing greater stability during drilling operations.
With this mechanism, the borehole samples produced are of higher quality, with more accurate layer boundaries and lithological thickness. Sample recovery rates are remarkably high, ranging from 95 to 100 percent, compared to other drilling units, which average between 75 and 85 percent. This makes KB Geo Bonanza essential for quality control (QC) in validating and confirming reserve data.
Another advantage of KB Geo Bonanza's borehole samples is the capability to analyze not only tin but also accompanying minerals, an upgrade from other drilling ships, which primarily focus on tin minerals.
Built-in 2016 by PT DAK, a subsidiary of PT Timah, the KB Geo Bonanza has been drilling at various points on Bangka Island since 2018, including the waters of Air Kantung and Sampur.
Currently, KB Geo Bonanza is conducting exploration activities in the deep waters of Cupat. Annually, the ship undergoes a two-month maintenance period to ensure its performance remains optimal.
Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah, Anggi Siahaan, emphasized that PT Timah continues to innovate in its business processes.
"Technological innovation is part of the company's sustainability efforts to address global challenges, including the Geo Bonanza Drill Ship as a breakthrough in exploration technology," said Anggi.
"Through this innovation, we are optimistic about moving forward toward a future of more sustainable, efficient, and safe mining operations," she concluded. (*)
