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  • Indonesian Mining Journal Vol. 27 No. 2 October 2024

    Indonesian Mining Journal, October 2024
    Vol. 27 No. 2 (2024)

    In this current issue, five papers are published focusing on 1) Characteriscs of ultramafic rocks as carbon storage, 2) Post-mining guarantees estimation, 3) Fuel consumption calculation in mining industry, 4) Critical mineral exploration, and 5) Coal upgrading using heavy oil.

    Ultramafic rocks have wide distribution in southeastern arm of Sulawesi Island, especially in Sorowako and the surrounding areas. This research used an observation method on outcrops and supported by laboratory analysis. The magnesium (Mg) element contained in the research area is widely spread as well as the development of geological structure allows the potential development of ultramafic rocks as carbon storage. The storage of carbon dioxide in ultramafic rocks is considered as one of the safest storage method because carbon dioxide reacts naturally with magnesium-rich minerals contained in these rocks. The reaction between carbon dioxide and magnesium-rich minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and serpentine will produce magnesite (MgCO3), which is more stable in nature.

    A post-mining guarantee is a financial commitment made by a mining company to restore the land after mining operations are complete. The goal of a post-mining guarantee is to improve environmental responsibility in the mining industry. This paper describes about case study at PT. X, who wants to obtain a Production Operation IUP that requires reclamation guarantee funds and post-mining guarantees. Based on this, this research aims to estimate the amount of reclamation and post-mining guarantees that will be deposited to the government. The cost plan for reclamation and post-mining was calculated according to the Ministerial Decree of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 1827 K/30/MEM/2018, which involve direct and indirect cost.

    Vehicle fuel consumption is a significant factor in the modeling and estimation of vehicle operating cost and traffic congestion costs. Fuel consumption in mining industry is usually influenced by several factors, the most influential of which are the slope of the road, the type of material used for the road, and the distance from the loading place to the dumping place. There are several methods used to calculate fuel consumption, the most familiar of which is the vehicle working hours (hourmeter) method. In this research, the calculation of fuel consumption uses engine RPM with a segment approach method taken with a segment distance of between 100 - 200 meters. The conclusion from this research is calculating fuel consumption using the engine RPM method using a segment approach produces results that are close to the actual value. However, engine RPM calculations are still based on subjectivity, not objectivity/measurement.

    Critical minerals have emerged as an important component in the global transition to clean energy technologies. Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of securing reliable supplies of critical minerals to support their industrial and technological ambitions. This research aims to provide an overview of the current state of critical minerals, the potential of critical minerals that exist globally such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and the challenges for exploration in the Indonesian region. This paper also presents several things that need to be considered in exploiting critical minerals, including environmental management. The environmental impact of mining activities is a significant concern. Sustainable practices must be prioritized to mitigate ecological damage and ensure compliance with both local and international environmental standards.

    Coal is one of the most important fuel resources in national development. Most of the coal in Indonesia is lignite type. Lignite has a high moisture content (30-50%) and relatively low calorific value compared to other types of coal. This causes low combustion efficiency, making it not optimal for use as fuel. In this study, the slurry dewatering process was applied to the lignite to increase its calorific value and decrease the moisture content using the addition of heavy oil produced from catalytic cracking of Polypropylene-Low Density Polyethylene (PP/LDPE) plastic waste pyrolysis oil. This heavy oil is used as an additive for lignite because it has some chemical properties in common for coal, with some similarities this property makes this residual oil able to enter coal pores. This process succeed to increase the calorific value from 3,662 cal/g to 6,374 cal/g and decrease the moisture content from 37.29% to 2.81%.

  • Indonesian Mining Journal, April 2024

    Indonesian Mining Journal, April 2024
    Vol. 27 No. 1 (2024)

    In this current issue, five papers are published focusing on mining technology, mineral processing and environmental issues.

    In mining technology, generation of vibrations in the ground from mining industry's blasting operations have been found to be a major source of considerable damage to surrounding buildings, vegetation, and people. Therefore, it is essential to keep monitor the uncertain vibration levels, predict them accurately, and take the necessary action to lessen their possibly negative effects. The aim of this study is establishing a relationship between the peak particle velocity and the several factors influencing. In order to evaluate and predict the unpredictable ground vibrations, this study used the artificial neural network approach.

    In mining technology part also talks about operating cost of mining: surface miner compared to drill and blast. Nowdays, a few mining companies in Indonesia who have operations close to residential areas employ surface miners as an alternative to breaking rock. Economic factors, particularly running costs, are taken into account while selecting the approach. In this study case, the size of material that can continue on the next process is ≤ 400 mm; material from surface miner production is at the target; on blasting results, the fragmentation above the target is reduced using a hydraulic breaker; the initiating systems use an electronic detonator (HEBS II) and a non-electric detonator. The purpose of this study is to compare the operating costs of drill and blast versus surface mining.

    Effect of thermal upgrading with various reductant on saprolitic nickel ore (a preliminary study) is presented in mineral processing part. Saprolitic nickel ore from Halmahera, Maluku, Indonesia, was used in this investigation. However, because of its complicated mineral composition, which has a considerable impact on the roasting process, saprolite research needs to be improved. Thus, it is crucial to have an accurate understanding of the characteristics of laterite ores, especially with regard to laterite pre-reduction operations. This research aims to improve the qualities of saprolite by employing a thermal upgrading technique at lower temperatures with reductants such as anthracite and palm kernel charcoal. These discoveries provide important understanding on the mineralogical composition and behavior of saprolite, which may lead to advancements in a range of industrial operations and uses.

     

    In mineral processing part also discusses about recovery of iron mineral from Indonesian bauxite residue. Bauxite residue is a hazardous solid waste that is released during the extraction of alumina. Even though it contains rich materials including titanium, silica, rare earth elements, and a high iron content (20–60%), its disposal causes a major environmental problem. By employing three techniques—direct magnetic separation, roasting followed by magnetic separation, and reduction followed by magnetic separation—this work seeks to enhance the recovery of iron content within the bauxite residue. The reduction process employed sodium carbonate and sodium sulfite as fluxes and coal as a reductant.

    Finally, in environmental issue presents mini review of adsorption method using conventional materials for acid mine drainage treatment (AMD). One extremely hazardous type of water contamination brought on by coal mining operations is AMD. Low pH levels and a high concentration of heavy metals are characteristics of AMD that have been connected to a number of illnesses, such as poisoning, cancer, and skin disease. The material about AMD and other inexpensive treatment options is well reviewed in this publication. Adsorption is one such technique, which is an economical and environmentally beneficial way to treat AMD. In order to give a thorough picture of AMD origins and issues globally, this review consults 99 published publications. This study investigates the possibilities for treating AMD using common materials like biochar, activated carbon, and others. There is thorough discussion in the particular section on conventional materials.

  • Indonesian Mining Journal, October 2023

    Indonesian Mining Journal, October 2023
    Vol. 26 No. 2 (2023)

    In this current issue, five papers are published focusing on exploration, mining technology, mineral processing, energy transition, and environmental issues.

    In exploration, the application of the induced polarization method for identifying metallic mineral distribution in the Leon area is presented. The research aims to determine the presence and quantity of metallic mineral resources in the Leon area, located in Central Sulawesi. Induced Polarization is a method that detects the occurrence of electrical polarization on the surface of metallic minerals below the earth's surface and is an active geophysical method. The advantage of this method compared to other geophysical methods is its ability to detect the presence of disseminated and irregular minerals because the scattered minerals are more easily polarized due to the currents passing through them.
    In the mining engineering part, the impact of blasting with an electronic detonator using segmentation and non-segmentation methods is reported. Blasting is one of the techniques that is conducted in mining activities. However, blasting vibrations can cause damage to surrounding buildings and structures belong to subject surface waves from waste energy that does not work to fracture the rocks. Nowadays, to manage controllable variables in ground vibration, blasting technology has been updated to reduce the environmental impact using electronic detonators with high accuracy of delay timing. This research aims to study the blasting impact that close to the building structures and optimize the blasting results such as ground vibration value, coefficient of determination based on multiple linear regression, and fragmentation.

    The effect of temperature variations on basalt-based glaze mixtures for stoneware ceramic applications is presented in the mineral processing part. Based on material and firing temperature, the ceramics are divided into stoneware, pottery, and porcelain. Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired at temperatures between 1150°C and 1350°C. This ceramic type is widely used in household and manufacturing ceramics industries. Ceramic surface glazing was carried out to beautify the surface appearance and protect and increase the strength of the ceramic body. In this study, the glaze sample was made using raw materials of basalt, kaolin, and feldspar with the composition of 60%, 10%, and 30% respectively with the grain sizes under 100 mesh. This research aims to determine the optimum temperature for the best quality of basalt glaze mixtures.

    In energy transition issues, the need of materials used in battery production is increasing rapidly; one of them is graphite. Graphite is the primary material for battery anodes used in electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Exploiting natural graphite in Indonesia is still in the exploration stage. The ever-increasing demand for energy storage devices poses challenges in producing battery-grade graphite. One possible approach is to recycle the graphite anode (AG) from used Lithium-ion Batteries (LIB) into battery components. By utilizing waste as a raw material, production costs are lower as well as the use of LIB becomes more sustainable. This study discusses the techno-economics of AG recycling from electric vehicle (EV) LIBs.

    Finally, in environmental issue presents inquiring the flyrock to determine the minimum safe distance of coal overburden blasting against the residential areas. Fly rock is a rock fragmentation that is thrown as a result of blasting. Such fragmentation that is thrown beyond the specified safe distance can cause damage to the infrastructure, mechanical equipment, and humans. This study aims to determine the safe radius of the fly rock that resulting from blasting residential area which that has a distance 200-300 m and has potentially distressing to cause damage. Calculating of the flying rock throwing distance is carried out theoretically and actually with orientation to the distance between spaces, the distance between burdens, minimum stemming height, minimum hole depth, powder factor, average charge blast hole, and distance initial burdens.

  • Indonesian Mining Journal, April 2023
    Vol. 26 No. 1 (2023)

    In this current issue, five papers are published focusing on mining technology, mineral processing, techno-economics and environmental issues.

    In mining engineering, analysis of rock slope stability is an important study and a mandatory to be carried out, especially in geotechnical projects. The main objectives of the stability analysis are the determination of rock slope stability conditions, study of potential failure mechanisms, determination of the factors that affect the slope stability, and performing the optimum and safe slope designs. In this issue, the studies talk about assessment and analysis of rock stability through the method and results of the Q-Slope. Beside that, the studies also comparing the results with the limit equilibrium method to have data for appropriate comparison and engineering analysis.

    In mineral processing part, two studies are presented related to manganese extraction and lithium extraction. Manganese can be used as catalysts, sensors, supercapacitors, photocatalyst materials and image improvement of MRI. Generally, manganese can be extracted from manganese ore using hydrometallurgy or pyrometalllurgy techniques. In this issue, we will learn about manganese extraction from East Nusa Tenggara by leaching process, one of the hydrometallurgy method. This study also includes optimization aspect using H2O2 as a reducing agent.

    Currently, lithium is one of the most favorable minerals in the world. The demand of lithium is rapidly increasing due to its use as battery component to support electric vehicles industry. Lithium can be extracted from pegmatite rocks, continental brines, and sedimentary deposits. In this issue, the study discusses about litihium extraction from geothermal brines. This is an interesting study due to Indonesia is blessed with geothermal resources in many areas. The steps and parameters that influence the extraction process is also described in this study.

    Study of supply-demand of Indonesia Buton asphalt is discussed in techno-economics part of this issue. This study aims to answer the problem of asphlt demand in Indonesia, which is still fulfilled by import domination. Buton asphalt (Asbuton) is one of the resources asphalt in Indonesia, but the contribution only 1.74% of all asphalt demand in Indonesia. Therefore, it is necessary to study the optimization of Asbuton utilization from the aspects of resources and reserves, processing, and economy. The results of this study are expected to provide an overview of the role of Asbuton in the development of road infrastructure in Indonesia and hopefully it can reduce Indonesia's dependence on imported asphalt.

    Finally, in environmental issue presents exploration of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on Arenga pinnata merr in post-mining land. Microorganism is widely used in post-mining land to help the absorption of nutrients by plants and to increase the growth and yield of plant products. The use of alternative treatments and technology can help the plant growth on post-mining critical lands. This study focusing on examination of the AMF found in sugar palm local plants in the post-mining land. Indigenous AMF has a high potential to form extensive infections because it is more adaptive and has a higher tolerance for environmental conditions with extreme conditions. AMF exploration and identification is an important step in a reclamation strategy, particularly on post-mining soils.

    Enjoy read.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 25 No. 2, October 2022
    Vol. 25 No. 2 (2022)

    Finally, this journal can be published. Some growing fast in technology development also occurs in the mining sector. The use of satellite imagery and GIS is common for various mining applications. Using such an application showed that the small changes in this area costs effectively due to the coverage of sensory images, which is quite broad. The study's results related to using satellite imagery and GIS showed that the total area of coal mine openings increased from 2% of the total area of the IUP become 2.53% in 2020. However, its allegation of environmental changes due to mining activities will be strengthened by a ground check survey that cannot be conducted.

    Blasting geometry and blasting material filling are closely related to the rock mass characteristics and geological conditions in obtaining ideal fragmentation. Blastability Index Analyses are the alternative geometry experiment conducted to overcome the problem of rock fragmentation results in the increase of the speed of excavation equipment according to the productivity of Komatsu PC2000 plan at PT. BUMA Jobsite BINSUA. The actual rock values obtained from the blasting location and alternative geometry recommendations using the R.L.Ash theory were combined with the vertical energy distribution theory. Such a prediction of blasting fragmentation analysis using Kuz-ram theory obtained a good result.

    Nickel ore is found in two types' sulfide and laterite. Two methods of processing nickel laterite are hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. The former produces nickel sulfate and nickel oxide with high purity (99% by weight) as raw materials for magnets, sensors, and batteries, but this process still needs improvements for the environmentally friendly reagent. The latter applies a high heat of up to 1800°C. It requires a lot of energy and needs improvement to decrease carbon usage and produces nickel pig iron and ferronickel as raw materials for stainless steel and steel alloys.

    Technological developments for making lightweight materials are growing and aims to reduce the total weight of the material without reducing its mechanical strength. The number of pores, material density, and physical resistance are factors that influence the manufacture of lightweight materials. In this study, the basalt rock from East Lampung, Indonesia and the lime glass were used as ceramic glass material. Variations in its composition were carried out by mass comparison between the basalt and the lime glass, namely Sample A (100:0), Sample B (70:30), Sample C (50:50), and Sample D (30:70) with 50%wt. CaCO3 added to each sample and heated up to 1200 °C.

    As strategic materials, rare earth elements are have critical roles in meeting the needs of raw material for producing modern industrial products, but most of the REE minerals is available in the form of associated minerals. One of them is coal. In terms of obtaining an overview regarding the possibility of coal to be a source of REEs, a research was carried out by beneficiating the bottom ash of the coal using a shaking table and a magnetic separator and was followed by extracting the REEs using the alkaline fusion and leaching them using the nitric acid. The results showed that the bottom ash of gasified coal from the Palimanan pilot plant contained cerium, lanthanum, samarium, neodymium, praseodymium, europium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and yttrium, with a total content of 77.85 ppm.

    Some obstacles occur during preparing for this issue, such as the pandemic and the bustle of the RVs. Those result in the delay to issue the journal. We are sorry for this inconvenience.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 25 No. 1, April 2022
    Vol. 25 No. 1 (2022)

    Slope stability analysis is a static or dynamic, analytical or empirical method to evaluate the stability of earth and rock-fill dams, embankments, excavated slopes, and natural slopes in soil and rock. Slope stability refers to the condition of inclined soil or rock slopes to withstand or undergo movement. When evaluating pit slope stability, we focus on high-quality rock mass characterization involving objective-driven geotechnical, structural geology, and hydrogeological investigation and data collection. Based on the operational and global study experience with all deposit types and commodities, a wide range of safety and economic factors should be considered when assessing stability and designing open pit slopes. By integrating all disciplines, we improve the implementation and functionality of these designs.  A new concept to increase the safety and mining conservation on PT-X and PT-Y with no boundary gap between the two areas is presented in this paper. To optimize coal recovery as a basis of supporting conservation, the two companies needed to adjust coal production in terms of avoiding technical problems at the mining time process due to the rock structure and coal seam at the border was the same.

    The prevailing mining climate is highly characterized by unstable consumables pricing systems, a volatile economy and skyrocketing operational costs as well as exacerbated by a steady decline and intermittence in the availability of electricity. Extensive capitalize on the opportunity to improve productivity is required by emphasizing variables they can control. Adopting the recommended short term production plans will avoid resizing of operations as stated in one of the papers in this issue.  The papers discusses an overview on an open pit mine planning of the Pickstone Peerless in a volatile environment.

    Indonesia’s earth is known for its rich gold deposits, drawing fortune seekers from across the country, especially poorer areas with few employment options. But while illegal gold mining – mining for gold without a permit – may be lucrative for some, for others it can be deadly.  Illegal gold mining strips lands of its resources, destroying forests, water, and soil quality, leaving behind barren landscapes polluted by mercury. Illegal extraction of alluvial gold involves destructive processes that devastate the communities, the forests and the ecosystems. One of the papers in this issue discusses illegal mining activities at Jambi province, including history, socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as recent technologies to reduce the environmental damage.

    Upgrading the coal is a process that increases the calorific value of low-rank coal. The method usually applies mixed heavy oil to close the opened pores after coal upgrading. One study regarding increasing calorific value of the low-rank coal is included in this issue.  The process was conducted by decreasing the moisture content of the coal.  After the process, the lowest moisture content of the coal in the ratio of coal (b/v) and additives was 4:3 with 21.75% ad. The highest calorific value of the coal was shown in the ratio of coal (b/v) and additives 1:1 with 7,189 kcal/kg.

    Fertilizer use efficiency has been the focus of agriculture cultivation practices to meet economic and environmental challenges. Unfortunately, available technology for improving such the efficiency is somewhat impotent as no significant breakthrough in fertilizer technology during the last several decades. It is possible to develop a new technology employing new paradigm in fertilization, i.e. improving soil capacity. Integration of microbes as consortium packages with the recent coating technology would be a promising approach to support sustainable agriculture. A paper regarding soil capacity improvement is presented in this issue.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 24 No. 2, October 2021
    Vol. 24 No. 2 (2021)

    This IMJ of October issue consists of five papers. Two of them relates to minerals and the rest speaks about coal. High temperature and energy are required processing nickel laterite. Yet such a requirements need a high budget. An alternative solution was made by processing the nickel laterite through selective reduction with additives. Sulfur is one of the additives but it needs to investigate the effect of sulfur content in the reductant on selective reduction of lateritic nickel ore as stated in one of the issued papers. Another paper that relates to mineral is the use of bio-organo mineral as an ameliorant for Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze or known as tea plant. The results showed that there was a significant effect of the combination of conventional fertilizer and BIOM ameliorant on shoot production and pekoe percentage. The application of BIOM ameliorant was able to improve plant health after pruning on the GMB 7 clone.

    Three other papers discuss about the coal. One of them reviews the chemical characteristics of coal and biomass mixture and its tendency of its ash deposition. Making a formula for economical complex soil conditioner of bio-organo mineral for tea, coffee and cacao plantations is the research objective based on such chemical characteristics and it provides a good result as stated in one of the published papers. One paper relates to coal discusses the temperature and moisture content of low rank coal on slow pyrolisis process. Based on the variations of the used temperature, a higher temperature of pyrolysis produced fewer char but its calorific value of coal product was also higher; the optimum operating condition was achieved at 500-600°. The application of failure method probability for analizing in pit dump stability at West Block ‘X’ pit PT Berau Coal - East Kalimantan is the paper that also relates to coal. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of stability of the in-pit dump by analyzing the current in-pit dump stability based on the value of the safety factor (FS) and the probability of failure (PoF) The study shows that the slope is in the safe category (stable slope) in the range of pof values 0 – 1%, marginal slope 1 – 12%, and unstable slope above 12%.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 24 No. 1, April 2021
    Vol. 24 No. 1 (2021)

    At last the Indonesian Mining Journal (IMJ) Volume 24 Number 1  of April Edition is already published.  We apologize for the delay due to several obstacles occurred such as lack of manuscripts, editing process and last but not the least the occurrence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that affects the IMJ staffs also bothered the performance of the IMJ publication.  The issue of the April IMJ varies that includes slope stability, seismic reflection survey, lithogeochemical exploration of gold, magnetic and induced polarization method for delineating gold-bearing vein zones, as well as potential energy and environmental impact through plasma gasification process.

    Magmatic processes that occurred during the Miocene period has caused the formation of epithermal gold deposits in Cibaliung area. The gold deposit has previously been investigated through geological surveys which basically only covers the surface aspect, so in this study a subsurface analysis was carried out through magnetic and IP surveys to determine the distribution and continuity of the gold deposits. Magnetic data analysis shows that gold mineralization tends to occur at low magnetic anomaly, ranging from 37 nT to 240 nT and generally associated with northwest-oriented structures.

    Indonesia has great potential for deep-seated coal resources. Shallow seismic reflection method is applicable to assist and support the deep-seated coal exploration. A study, using a shallow seismic reflection, conducted at Musi Banyuasin Regency. This study used 48 channels with 14 Hz single geophone and Mini-Sosie as an energy source. The receiver and source interval is 15 meters. This study helps the operator companies who seek a deep-seated coal about the effective and proper geophysical method for imaging deep-seated coal layer.

    Halmahera hosts several gold deposits. One of them is low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) quartz veins which currently being mined is situated in Gosowong goldfield. The veins mostly originated in N-S and NNE-SSW direction. This study is aimed to determine the prospect area in the northern portion of Gosowong goldfield covering West Kao subdistrict based on surface mapping and rock/float- and BLEG stream sediment survey.  Gold grade of rock/float samples is up to 0.044 ppm. BLEG data indicates calculated threshold of 10 ppb for Au and 72 ppb for Ag. A study regarding lithogeochemical exploration to delineate primary gold occurrences had been conducted at West Kao area, North Halmahera District, North Moluccas Province.

    The stability of slope is an important aspect stability in an open pit mining activities. The inconsistency of the slopes will result in the collapse of rocks around the excavation site. This happens due to the condition of the rock when it has not been excavated is generally balanced.  However, due to discontinuous patterns that occur other than naturally and also due to the mining activities causing a reduction in the retaining force of the rock on the slope results in the equilibrium of the force tends to shift and is not balanced. A study regarding slope stability is presented in this issue.  Such a study used Pit 22 Gn Pt Kitadin Site Embalut of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province as the object study.  The results of the modeling consist of several heights, slopes, and angles.

    Indonesia's coal reserve is abundant, with its lower price and widely distributed than oil and natural gas. However, it emits high carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and sulfur compounds (H2S, SOx) to the environment during utilization. Plasma gasification can overcome those lacks using the external electric energy through a plasma torch. Steam as a gasifying agent should be adequate to produce H2 and CO syngas. A research has been carried out to analyze and understand the benefit of using a different gasifying agent for maximizing H2 production and minimizing environmental impact.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 23 No. 2, October 2020
    Vol. 23 No. 2 (2020)

    The law Number 4 Year 2009 concerning mineral and coal mining firmly emphasizes that all mining operations in this country must be carried out by applying good mining practices.  In order to reduce mine accidents, a good mining design must be prepared by providing an accurate geotechnical investigation.  Referring to such a statement, a slope stability research using the  cuckoo search (CS) had been conducted.  compared to the grid search – a conventional method that takes a longer time to locate the slip surface, the CS is a very fast and efficient method. A paper presenting in this current journal relates to the above issues.

    The main point of the delay effect of mud loading to the open pit design relates to coal production target.  Such the delay results in hindering the mining sequence pattern which forced changes in plans, designs, and decrease of coal production.  Minex software is then used to simulate the alternative of redesign the mining sequence pattern. The study found that the delay in mud loading process is due to the external and internal factors as stated in one of the papers published in this issue. Still related to the coal mining, one paper is also discussed about coal mining. The topic concerns with underground coal gassification notably to predict the surface subsidence by making a simulation and model.  Level of surface subsidence risk and effect of high temperatures due to the UCG activities can be determined.

    Two last papers within this issues relate to mineral and coal processing. The former discusses the making of synthetic zeolite from a residue of bauxite washing while the later reviews the influence of steam drying process on combustion behavior of Indonesian low-rank coals.  Raw materials for making the synthetic zeolite include the amorphous solids such as meta-kaolin, siliceous earth, coal ash, kimberlitic waste, alumina tri-hydrate [Al(OH)3], bauxite, and aluminum metal; while steam drying process of the low rank coals (LRCs) has been conducted to produce coal which is comparable with the high rank coal (HRC).

    Enjoy the reading.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 23 No. 1, April 2020
    Vol. 23 No. 1 (2020)

    It is April; the time for this journal to see you again. Amid the rapid spreading of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we try to publish the journal on time. The virus is spreading so rapidly through the camp that we simply cannot afford to let anyone out. Several difficulties occur due to our office applied work from home (WFH) policy. Sometimes communication problem between the editors and the writers makes it problematic for a job. There is always a security problem with data being transferred and that can’t be monitored easily.

    Back to the journal issue, we have five topics published in this journal. The themes of four papers are related to the properties of the subject either soil or rocks while paper discussess kinetics of the leaching. The first paper discusses the relationship among the water content, density, and saturation degree in the 5 soil samples tested under constant specific gravity conditions. The tests show that the degree of saturation and soil density will increase due to water addition until the water content reaches the optimum condition. After passing this condition, the degree of saturation and density decrease even though the water content has increased. These values can be used as a reference for conducting a field compaction using roller compactor to increase the bearing capacity of soils.

    The second article relates to the Illegal artisanal gold mine that always have problems. One of them is the environmental damage of community plantation as the mercury-based gold extraction is the potential source to contaminate soil and water and threaten the plantation productivity and its food chain. The study shows that the soil in post artisanal gold mine area had changed physically, disappearing the A and B horizon while the C horizon becomes a top soil with the depth of 0 -100 cmdepend on sampling location. The mercury content within the river stream exceeds the threshold based on Indonesia Regulation. The research suggested that developing oil palm plantation in Kebunlado needs land reclamation to improve the soil physics and increasing its C/N and remediation to reduce mercury in soil and water.

    Lead smelting has a negative impact to the environment due to its emissions of dust, SO2 gas and lead. Changing the smelting method to the leaching process is intended to reduce the smelting’s weaknesses by extracting the lead without harming the environment as stated in the third article. The fourth article reviews a shear test of the broken rock tested at a laboratory scale - the most significant factors that affect pile slope stability. The last article discusses the economic analysis of mini coal gasifier commercialization for small and medium industries. Mini coal gasifier technology is an energy diversification effort that is proven to be environmentally friendly and is suitable for use in small and medium industries to substitute subsidized LPG and diesel as well as substitute heavy oils which include fuels and poisons. This economic analysis is very important for both tekMIRA as a technology provider to find out the value of technology, and its potential partners as input in making decisions as a partnership with tekMIRA.

    Enjoy the reading.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 22 No. 2, October 2019
    Vol. 22 No. 2 (2019)

    Zinc is an important nonferrous metal. Its excellent malleability, abrasive resistance, and anti-corrosion property make the metal has been widely used in various departments contributing to the national economy, especially in the auto industry, construction industry, shipping industry and light industry. However, zinc seldom exists in an elemental form in nature. It normally exists in combination with other base metals such as copper and lead in zinc ores, e.g., sphalerite, smithsonite, zincite, willemite, hemimorphite, etc. The production of zinc thus involves the extraction of special high grade (SHG, 99.995% purity) metallic zinc from these intricately composed zinc ores. Purification of pregnant solution from sphalerite concentrate extraction using sulfate acid to produce zinc oxide was meant to prepare zinc oxide production technology utilizing sphalerite mineral as raw material. The current issue is available within the current publication.

    Direct reduced iron (DRI), also called sponge iron, is produced from the direct reduction of iron ore (in the form of lumps, pellets, or fines) to iron by a reducing gas or elemental carbon produced from natural gas or coal. The objective of the process is to drive off the oxygen contained in various forms of iron ore (sized ore, concentrates, pellets, mill scale, furnace dust, etc.), in order to convert the ore to metallic iron, without melting it (below 1,200 °C). Many ores are suitable for direct reduction and the process is comparatively energy-efficient. One of the studies regarding the DRI process has been conducted at the Research and Development Center for Mineral and Coal Technology and is presented in this issue. The process was prepared using iron concentrate pellets and coal as a reductant through three stages, namely drying the experiment feed by slow heating at 150°C, heating such the feed at 1,200°C, and reducing the experiment feed in an atmosphere of CO/CO2 at various temperatures of 950-1,200°C. The best metallization occurred at 1,100°C.

    Coal is being a major source of fuel in most parts of the world. There is a continued interest in the efficient use of coal and the development of clean coal technologies. This requires a detailed understanding of the fundamental properties of coal, thus making the area of coal characterization of paramount importance. Gasification is a process of thermal conversion of solid carbonaceous materials into a gaseous fuel called syngas. Coal gasification is an efficient technology for a range of systems for producing low-emission electricity and other high-value products such as chemicals, synthetic fuels, etc. Low operating temperature for a gasification process is discussed in this issue. The experiment used a bubbling fluidized bed to proceed the low-rank coal.

    As the important energy source in Indonesia either for its industry or power plant, coal reserve is quite plentiful in this country, namely around 28.5 billion tons. In addition to its role in the energy sector, coal also contributes to national development as a revenue stream for the State Budget. According to government regulation no. 9/2012, there are three ways in how the coal sector can contribute to state revenue: land rent, royalty/tax, and sales of mining products. Referring to the national energy mix in 2050, the Indonesia government had issued the National Energy Policy (NEP) that targeted 25% of coal use for such an issue. Anticipating the worries about national coal ability in accommodating the demand from domestic and export needs, the NEP made a policy in restricting coal production. Such a policy is to confirm that the Indonesia coal reserve is competent to comply with the domestic demand for power generation and industry by 2050.

    Mineral resources are amongst the most important natural resources that dictate the Industrial and economic development of a country because they provide raw materials to the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy. The analysis of industrial linkages demonstrates that mining industries are basic to the national economy and produce a significant impetus to its downstream industries, but create weak pull effects in terms of national economic development. Based on a calculation using input-output table analysis, there are four sectors that almost all of its domestic outputs able to fulfill the needs of other sectors in the country. These four sectors have a high downstream linkage to other sectors in the country. The issue of metals mining sector linkage on the national economy is presented in current publication.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 22 No. 1, April 2019
    Vol. 22 No. 1 (2019)

    Mineral and coal area two assets that can be used for developing the country. Indonesia retains both deposits. Mining and processing such deposits has been conducted for many years in this country. However, it needs a requirement to improve those deposits in terms having the maximum benefit of such assets. Prioritizing a good mining practice is a standard to determine the prosperity of one nation It is a new important paradigm in a mining project.

    Several studies dealing with mining practice have been conducted by the researchers of tekMIRA and other related institutions. Synthesizing and characterizing the gamma alumina is one of the effort to get the simulated alumina from a laterite deposit. The aim of this study is to examine the synthesis and characterization gamma alumina and its adsorption capability for magnesium. Evaluating the potential application of bentonite as an additive reagent to increase the flexibility and pressure strength of ceramics and studying the kinetic aspect of iron dissolution in leaching process are two studies related to the use of both materials for industries. A study of geo-mechanical aspect of limestone deposits relates to the safety of the buildings available at that area and the study of kinetic aspect of iron dissolution in leaching process is an effort to lessen the high energy consumption when processing such the mineral.

    Coal is one of the fossil fuels that develops from organics matter, notably from the remaining plants that experience coalification. The main elements are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The turning point of coal role as the alternative energy source is based on the government policy in 1976 as stated in the Ministerial decree of the Energy and Mineral Resources no. 0983 K116/MEM/2004. Yet Indonesian coal retain high ash content. Such a material causes fouling and slagging within the reactor. It needs an effort to lessen such a problem. Meanwhile, the energy needs in Indonesia are going to increase while the production of oil and gas is decline. This problem can be minimized by developing an alternative energy such as underground coal gasification (UCG) by utilizing a deep seated coal at 200 to 1.000 m below surface. Indonesia tries to evaluate coal characteristic in basins for UCG purpose which refers to several coal properties parameters. This is mentioned in the paper related to the plan for developing the UCG.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 21 No. 2, October 2018
    Vol. 21 No. 2 (2018)

    Value added issues, particularly in implementing the application of the Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning mineral and coal mining in this country, always dominate the main topic along this edition. Those issues are really significant, because in the early 2016, this law has officially been implemented since last three years. All raw minerals may not be exported prior to being processed in smelters. However, the mineral product grade (concentrate) may be exported for a limited time for mining companies in completing the construction of smelter until 2017. This regulation absolutely become a guidance of the implementation to ban export of ores in the early 2014. There are six minerals banned to be exported, in which they must be exported with grade of reaching 100%, i.e. gold, bauxite, iron ore, nickel, coal and copper. Even, President Joko Widodo strictly supervises the implementation of the regulation. Supporting this supervision, the Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi/KPK) is involved to the verification of the mining activities in the country in implementing those issues.

     

    It is predicted that the government must cope with the impacts that can happen when the regulation implemented. One of these impacts absolutely includes termination of employment. The problem, of course, will be a concern for the mining employees. For this reason, the government should give a policy that still permit to export concentrate with certain grade limits until the construction of smelters. Besides saving the employees, this regulation can be a concession for regional economy, because the mining operation still carries out.

     

    Articles related to this law emphasise that holders of mining licences must increase value added of mineral and coal resources in the implementation of mining operation, processing and utilisation. The holders of mining licence of operation and production must domestically conduct process the mineral and coal. It is also stressed that environmental issues are the main points to be managed wisely. In addition, most small-scale mining always gives rise to degraded environment and causes air and water pollution to the communities around the mining operation. This issue must be solved in order to create a healthy environment and to make a harmonious living between the mining company and the surrounding communities.

     

    The papers published  in this journal are contributed by researchers and lecturers from R&D institutions and universities. Some of the authors are well-known figure for their discipline and have contributed their brilliant ideas to improve the mineral and coal technology. The rest is young researchers who are interested in managing a good environment due to mining operation in this country.

     

    From all the papers published in this journal, R&D institutions should do something new to anticipate all the above challenges rather than to cope with all problems. It is really expected that the mining law and related regulations must be implemented to accommodate the good mining practices and value added issues including the aspects of exploration, mining environment and economics of the mineral and coal commodities, which are perfectly processed in line with the user demands. Of course, this opportunity should be developed and this is a big challenge for researchers and engineers to prove their capabilities for the better future of this country.
  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 21 No. 1, April 2018

    INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL, Vol. 21 No. 1, April 2018
    Vol. 21 No. 1 (2018)

    The Indonesian government has already long affirmed that all research and development results already undertaken by the research and development bodies of the ministries should be utilized by its users. This means that every R&D institution must lead to its commercialization aspect, which is administered by a public service agency (Badan Layanan Umum). In the last 10 years, R&D Centre for Mineral and Coal Technology-Tekmira has been actively promoting its R&D results through seminars, FGDs, business meetings with related business partners and potential users of the Tekmira R&D results. These results have also been disseminated through accredited scientific journals, both nationally and internationally. R&D products that have been sold in the market, including cyclone burner, monitoring tool mining activities. Currently, one of the Tekmira R&D products in the form of mini gasifier is in the socialization and promotion of potential users, especially in West Java, Central Java and Yogyakarta Special Region. As a result, some small and medium scale industries such as batik making, tofu, chips, catering, are keen to use this tool. During this time, these small industries use gas fuel in its production operation, which is relatively expensive. When it is proven that coal fuel processed in the apparatus is more profitable than gasoline, the industry entrepreneurs are keen to use the tool in the near future.

    One of the contributors of scientific papers in this journal issue comes from researchers and lecturers from Nigeria. They show good results in increasing the added value of minerals in the form of columbite-rich ilmenite ore. The R&D results are expected to be utilized and applied by the user industry in the country. Indonesia, which has the same mineral resources as Nigeria, has a valuable opportunity to compare these minerals. For the foreseeable future, it is possible that the two countries can conduct joint R&D collaboration to obtain better results and the results can be utilized by the user industry. This can be said that this is one of the main objectives of disseminating R&D results, so that researchers and engineers who have conducted similar R&D can complement each other's advantages and disadvantages. We hope together, this lofty ideals can be implemented in the future.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL VOL. 20 NO. 2 October 2017

    INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL VOL. 20 NO. 2 October 2017
    Vol. 20 No. 2 (2017)

    Image for R&D centre in this country is still not positive yet, particularly because of unability in providing a real and significant contribution towards an effort of improving prosperity as mandated by the 1945 Constitution. This reality is related to a fundamental issue, which is the research orientation conducted by the government’s R&D institutions, either universities, ministries or non-ministerial institutions that do not focus yet to an effort in providing the real contribution towards need fulfilment or solution of problems faced by community, government or business world. Allegedly, most of the research acivities are in the form of academic exercises, and sensitively do not respond the faced reality. More ironically, when it is deeply observed, based on an academic indicator, the R&D institutions do not show yet optimal performances when being compared with similar institutions in ASEAN countries, specifically from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

     

    According to a researcher from the Ministry of Research&Technology and Higher Education, in the present context, the R&D institution is a main element of the national innovation, which is as a disseminator and developer of science and technology. For this reason, the R&D institution needs to improve capacity of the science and technology development and to identify the needs and problems, which are faced by the users, consisting of industry, community and government.

     

    A commercialization process of the R&D products must involve stakeholders. Success in implementing the above process includes, among others, enforcement of management system for intelectual rights, commercialization policy, R&D institution policy, interaction and industrial mapping, collaboration of R&D institutions, complete financing, incubator, program of technopreneurship education etc.

     

    Articles published in this journal are contributed by researchers and lecturers from R&D institutions and universities. Some of the authors are well-known figure for their discipline and have contributed their brilliant ideas to improve the mineral and coal technology. The rest is young researchers who are interested in managing a good environment due to mining operation in this country.

     

    From all the papers published in this journal, R&D institutions should do something new to anticipate all the above challenges rather than to cope with all problems, particularly in the commercialization aspect. It is really expected that the mining law and related regulations must be implemented to accommodate the good mining practices and value added issues including the aspects of exploration, mining environment and economics of the mineral and coal commodities, which are perfectly processed in line with the user demands. Of course, this opportunity should be developed and this is a big challenge for researchers and engineers to prove their capabilities for the better future of this country.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL VOL. 20 NO. 1 April 2017
    Vol. 20 No. 1 (2017)

    As announced at the October 2016 Indonesian Mining Journal,  commencing the year 2017, this journal is periodically published twice annually, which is in April and October. Hopefully, quality of this journal can substantially be maintained. The editors really expect that all article contributors remain to write their contribution for the continuity of this journal.

    Apparently, Indonesia’s strategic issues on mineral and mining sector are still available to discuss for the stakeholders, particularly in implementing good mining practices, which are value-added mineral and coal. In January 2017, the Indonesian government has made three policies, which is 1). Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 1 Tahun 2017 (PP No.1/2017 or Government Regulation No.1/2017). This new regulation is the fourth change of PP No.23/2010 concerning the implementation of mining business on mineral and coal; 2). Peraturan Menteri ESDM No.5/2017 or Ministerial Regulation No.5/2017), and 3). Peraturan Menteri ESDM No.6/2017 or Ministerial Regulation No.6/2017. The main point of these regulations is a permission in exporting concentrate and raw material for nickel and bauxite with certain terms. These terms are 1). The mining company has a status of Izin Usaha Pertambangan (IUP or Mining Permit) and Izin Usaha Pertambangan Khusus (IUPK or Special Mining Permit), 2). The building of smelter at the limit of five years after the release of those regulations, 3). Share divestment at least 51%, and 4). Export tax until 10%.

    The Law No. 4/2009 concerning the mineral and coal mining has already been issued and applied in this country. It is really expected that the law and those above regulations can assure law certainty and business; economic growth and national and regional revenue; regional development and participation of global business and regional community; social development for community by strengthening regional institution and using local content (raw material and human resources); and environmental conservation that can guarantee ecosystem continuity. The mining operation has a significant role in providing real value-added toward the national economic growth and the sustainable national development. The mining business permit holder has a compulsory to improve value added of mineral and coal resources in implementing mining operation, processing and utilization. This processing activity must absolutely be carried out in the country. By creating value-added, the selling price of the products will multiply increase. Automatically, the foreign exchange and the tax in the country will increase as well. The other benefit is that the downstream industry will grow and create a new job that has a potency of the regional economic growth.

    In order to cope with the all above issues, the role of R&D centre of the mineral and coal sector is really expected to perfectly complete related regulations. The role consists of, among others, 1). Policy assessment for the making of academic paper, 2). Guidance in monitoring the construction of smelters, and 3). Research on environmental impacts of mining activity, post-mining and sustainable development.

    After reading and assessing all the mining issues, it is absolutely expected that the certain new law and the implementing regulations on mineral and coal mining business, particularly the various regional regulations, will accommodate the golden bridge between R&D centre (supply aspect) and industries (demand aspect), which can synergize of the supply-demand on the mineral and coal commodities in accordance with the specific and characteristic products.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL VOL. 19 NO. 3, October 2016
    Vol. 19 No. 3 (2016)

    This is the last journal edition of 2016 that is completely published three times annually. Unfortunately, in this opportunity, we would like to inform you that starting 2017, this journal will be periodically published twice annually, which is in April and October. The editors has decided this situation due to technical and administrative reasons. We hope that all authors consistently contribute articles for this journal. For all authors who have contributed all articles for the 2016 edition, it is highly appreciated. The editors thank you for contributing all interesting and promising articles, particularly in supporting the value added mineral and coal and implementing the good mining practices in this country.

    To close the end of this year, it is significantly reminded that the export permit for mineral will finish on January 11th, 2017 according to the Ministerial Regulation Number 1 Year 2014. The government is predicted to face a dilemma regarding the export permit. An effort to preparing a new policy or revising the existing policy clearly creates problems. This issue is an impact of not completing yet the revision of Law Number 4 Year 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining.

    The crucial points of the mining issues in this country are still dominated by the implementation of good mining practices and value added issues, particularly in implementing the application of the above mining law. Those issues are really significant, because in the early 2014, this law has officially been implemented. All raw minerals may not be exported prior to being processed in smelters. However, the mineral product grade (concentrate) may be exported for a limited time for mining companies in completing the construction of smelter until January 2017. It was predicted by many economists and related experts from academic communities. This regulation absolutely become a guidance of the implementation to ban export of ores in the early 2014. Even for nowadays, President Joko Widodo strictly supervises the implementation of the regulation. Supporting this supervision, the Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi-KPK) is seriously involved to the verification of the mining activities in the country in implementing those issues. To implement this action, a joint team of KPK and Puslitbang tekMIRA) has carried out verification of legal aspects for the operation of mineral and coal mining operation in Kalimantan.

    It is predicted that the government must cope with the impacts that can happen when the regulation implemented. One of these impacts absolutely includes termination of employment. The problem, of course, will be a concern for the mining employees. For this reason, the government should give a policy that still permit to export concentrate with certain grade limits until the construction of smelters. Besides saving the employees, this regulation can be a concession for regional economy, because the mining operation still carries out.

    Articles related to this law emphasise that holders of mining licences must increase value added of mineral and coal resources in the implementation of mining operation, processing and utilisation. The holders of mining licence of operation and production must domestically conduct process the mineral and coal. It is also stressed that environmental issues are the main points to be managed wisely. In addition, most small-scale mining always gives rise to degraded environment and causes air and water pollution to the communities around the mining operation. This issue must be solved in order to create a healthy environment and to make a harmonious living between the mining company and the surrounding communities.

    As usual, five articles published in this journal are contributed by researchers and lecturers from R&D institutions and universities. Some of the authors are well-known figure for their discipline and have contributed their brilliant ideas to improve the mineral and coal technology. The rest is young researchers who are interested in managing a good environment due to mining operation in this country. From all the papers published in this journal, R&D institutions should do something new to anticipate all the above challenges rather than to cope with all problems. It is really expected that the Law 4/2009 and related regulations must be implemented to accommodate the good mining practices and value added issues including the aspects of exploration, mining environment and economics of the mineral and coal commodities, which are perfectly processed in line with the user demands. Of course, this opportunity should be developed and this is a big challenge for researchers and engineers to prove their capabilities for the better future in the energy and mining sector of this country.

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL VOL. 19 NO. 2 June 2016
    Vol. 19 No. 2 (2016)

    Good mining practices and value added issues, particularly in implementing the application of the Law No.4/2009 concerning mineral and coal mining in this country, always dominate the main topic along this edition. Those issues are really significant, because in the early 2016, this law has officially been implemented. All raw minerals may not be exported prior to being processed in smelters. However, the mineral product grade (concentrate) may be exported for a limited time for mining companies in completing the construction of smelter until January 2017. This regulation absolutely become a guidance of the implementation to ban export of ores in the early 2014. There are six minerals banned to be exported, in which they must be exported with grade of reaching 100%, i.e. gold, bauxite, iron ore, nickel, coal and copper. Even currently, President Joko Widodo strictly supervises the implementation of the regulation. Supporting this supervision, the Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi/KPK) is involved to the verification of the mining activities in the country in implementing those issues.

    It is predicted that the government must cope with the impacts that can happen when the regulation implemented. One of these impacts absolutely includes termination of employment. The problem, of course, will be a concern for the mining employees. For this reason, the government should give a policy that still permit to export concentrate with certain grade limits until the construction of smelters.

    Besides saving the employees, this regulation can be a concession for regional economy, because the mining operation still carries out. Articles related to this law emphasise that holders of mining licences must increase value added of mineral and coal resources in the implementation of mining operation, processing and utilisation. The holders of mining licence of operation and production must domestically conduct process the mineral and coal. It is also stressed that environmental issues are the main points to be managed wisely. In addition, most small-scale mining always gives rise to degraded environment and causes air and water pollution to the communities around the mining operation. This issue must be solved in order to create a healthy environment and to make a harmonious living between the mining company and the surrounding communities.

    Five papers published in this journal are contributed by researchers and lecturers from R&D institutions and universities. Some of the authors are well-known figure for their discipline and have contributed their brilliant ideas to improve the mineral and coal technology. The rest is young researchers who are interested in managing a good environment due to mining operation in this country.

    From all the papers published in this journal, R&D institutions should do something new to anticipate all the above challenges rather than to cope with all problems. It is really expected that the Law 4/2009 and related regulations must be implemented to accommodate the good mining practices and value added issues including the aspects of exploration, mining environment and economics of the mineral and coal commodities, which are perfectly processed in line with the user demands. Of course, this opportunity should be developed and this is a big challenge for researchers and engineers to prove their capabilities for the better future of this country.

     

    The Editor

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL Vol. 19 No. 1 February 2016
    Vol. 19 No. 1 (2016)

    At the beginning of the year 2016, so far Indonesia’s strategic issues on mineral and coal mining sector are still available to discuss for the stakeholders, especially in implementing its added value of those commodities. As emphasized by the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, a ministerial regulation on the added value should perfectly be completed in order conducively to create the mining business in this country. For this reason, several dedicated researchers have seriously contributed their innovation in conducting technological processes for improving the value added of mineral and coal. Concretely, they have contribute to write articles for this journal as follows: A characteristic study on raw materials for popay zircon sand used for ceramics, refractory and foundry is aimed at investigating the performance of zircon sand when separated by applying physical method. Mineralogical analysis using optical microscope has detected six minerals within the zircon sand. This suggests the these characteristics are appropriate for the making of refractory, ceramics and foundry. Utilization of coal gasification producer gas for power generation has been completed. Coal gasification is a process of converting coal into gas to ease its use more environmentally friendly. This study discusses an apparatus design and utilization for power generation using internal combustion engine. The results of laboratory analysis show the calorific value of producer gas, tar content, particulate content and the temperature. According to these characteristics, it is suitable for a power of 4.8 KW that is 53% of maximum power of fuel. An implementation of mathematical equation for calculating alumina extraction from bauxite tailing digestion has been conducted. It uses pressurized batch reactor at a certain feed capacity. There are four equations that are used for obtaining the alumina extraction. The calculation results show that by increasing lime added into the slurry, percent yield of alumina extraction tend to decrease in a certain amount of lime. By implementing those equations for evaluating the data, it does not need to weigh the slurry in the reactor. Zirconia has been made through smelting zircon sand with NaOH as a flux. The zircon sand as the smelter feed was obtained from Palangkaraya-Central Kalimantan. Major content of this sand is ZrO2 and SiO2 with several minor oxides of HfO2, Fe2O3, TiO2, Al2O3, and very minor alkali, alkaline earth and rare earth elements. In order to economize the process, zircon sand upgrading was conducted prior to zirconia production. The upgrading process was conducted using several comprehensive equipments, consist of shaking table, magnetic separator and high tension separator. The results show that the zirconia content is 97.27% of ZrO2+HfO2 with 65.13% recovery. Analysis on terms of trade of nickel is made because the trade of this commodity was always in a less prestigous position. It is due to the entire production of nickel is exported in raw materials, while nickel is continued to be imported to meet the industrial needs of stainless steel, nickel alloys, batteries and nickel metal alloys in the country. This study aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of export and import of nickel with a terms of trade analysis. The analysis overview of nickel gives an indication that international trade (export-import) of nickel has not provided an optimal impact on the national and regional economy. In order to cope with the all above issues, the role of R&D centre is really expected to formulate regulations, and for this case is how to improve the added value of mineral and coal. The role comprises, among others, 1). Policy assessment for the making of academic paper, 2). Guidance in monitoring the construction of smelters, and 3). Research on environmental impacts of mining activity, post-mining and sustainable development. After reading and assessing all the mining issues, it is absolutely expected that the certain new law on mineral and coal mining business, particularly the various regional regulations, will accommodate the golden bridge between R&D centre (supply aspect) and industries (demand aspect), which can synergize of the supply-demand on the mineral and coal commodities in accordance with the specific and characteristic products. The Editor

  • INDONESIAN MINING JOURNAL Vol. 18 No. 3 October 2015
    Vol. 18 No. 3 (2015)

    This is the last journal edition of 2015. The crucial points of the mining issues in this country are still dominated by the implementation of good mining practices and value added issues, particularly in implementing the ap- plication of the Law 4/2009 concerning mineral and coal mining. Those issues are really significant, because in the early 2014, this law has officially been implemented. All raw minerals may not be exported prior to being processed in smelters. However, the mineral product grade (concentrate) may be exported for a limited time for mining companies in completing the construction of smelter until 2017. It was predicted by many economists and related experts from academic communities. It should be remembered that President Yudhoyono signed a governmental regulation concerning the implementation of the Law 4/2009. This regulation absolutely become a guidance of the implementation to ban export of ores in the early 2014. There are six minerals banned to be exported, in which they must be exported with grade of reaching 100%, i.e. gold, bauxite, iron ore, nickel, coal and copper. Even for nowadays, President Joko Widodo strictly supervises the implementation of the regula- tion. Supporting this supervision, the Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi-KPK) is seriously involved to the verification of the mining activities in the country in implementing those issues. To implement this action, a joint team of KPK and Puslitbang tekMIRA) has carried out verification of legal aspects for the operation of mineral and coal mining operation in Kalimantan.

     

    It is predicted that the government must cope with the impacts that can happen when the regulation imple- mented. One of these impacts absolutely includes termination of employment. The problem, of course, will be a concern for the mining employees. For this reason, the government should give a policy that still permit to export concentrate with certain grade limits until the construction of smelters. Besides saving the employees, this regulation can be a concession for regional economy, because the mining operation still carries out.

     

    Articles related to this law emphasise that holders of mining licences must increase value added of mineral and coal resources in the implementation of mining operation, processing and utilisation. The holders of mining licence of operation and production must domestically conduct process the mineral and coal. It is also stressed that environmental issues are the main points to be managed wisely. In addition, most small-scale mining always gives rise to degraded environment and causes air and water pollution to the communities around the mining operation. This issue must be solved in order to create a healthy environment and to make a harmonious living between the mining company and the surrounding communities.

     

    Five articles published in this journal are contributed by researchers and lecturers from R&D institutions and universities. Some of the authors are well-known figure for their discipline and have contributed their brilliant ideas to improve the mineral and coal technology. The rest is young researchers who are interested in manag- ing a good environment due to mining operation in this country.

     

    From all the papers published in this journal, R&D institutions should do something new to anticipate all the above challenges rather than to cope with all problems. It is really expected that the Law 4/2009 and related regulations must be implemented to accommodate the good mining practices and value added issues including the aspects of exploration, mining environment and economics of the mineral and coal commodities, which are perfectly processed in line with the user demands. Of course, this opportunity should be developed and this is a big challenge for researchers and engineers to prove their capabilities for the better future of this country.
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