What is important is that the bauxite stone meets the standard we need and has legality. We need such bauxite.Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI), which operates in the Galang Batang special economic zone in Riau Islands province, is targeting to process 2 million tons of bauxite stone into alumina in 2021.
The company's smelter will start operating early next year and will process bauxite stone not only from Riau Islands, but also from Kalimantan, PT BAI president director Santoni said here on Wednesday.
"What is important is that the bauxite stone meets the standard we need and has legality. We need such bauxite," he added.
The alumina produced by PT BAI will be exported to several countries, including an aircraft manufacturer in the US, he said.
"We are optimistic that many countries will buy alumina from PT BAI," he stated.
Since 2017, PT BAI has invested Rp15 trillion in the special economic zone. The company said the investment will continue to increase according to its needs.
"The investment (in the project) is huge and will continue to increase," he said.
The company is clearing about 2,300 hectares of land in Galang Batan ahead of the planned expansion of its activities.
"We are not urging residents and land owners to sell their land. But, we have given them the understanding that the company which employs local workers needs the land to operate," Santoni said.
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Translator: Nikolas Panama/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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