It will be the first one implemented in Southeast Asia.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir highlighted the plan of state-owned telecommunication provider Telkom Group to collaborate with gold and copper miner giant PT Freeport Indonesia in developing 5G Mining technology.

"In line with the global transformation of Industrial Revolution 4.0, we hope that the 5G Mining technology can get inaugurated in the next six months. It will be the first one implemented in Southeast Asia," he remarked at the groundbreaking for construction of the PT Freeport Indonesia smelter at the Gresik Special Economic Area, East Java Province, on Tuesday.

"In addition to maintaining operational security, the technology will help in protecting workers, as the site is an underground mining area,” he noted.

Furthermore, the 5G Mining technology will streamline the plant’s integration by implementing a hyper-connected network.

"We plan to operate an autonomous car or truck at the site. Hence, we will optimize preparations among stakeholders," the minister stated.

Related news: Telkomsel expands VoLTE services to strengthen 5G ecosystem

Meanwhile, construction of the smelter costs up to Rp42 trillion and will absorb at least 40 thousand workers.

"The smelter will run as a copper refining facility to manufacture copper cathodes. In addition, it will be used for refining gold, silver, and other precious metals," he added.

Furthermore, he has estimated that the plant can produce an average of 35 tons of gold per year, worth approximately Rp30 trillion. It is also expected to be the world’s biggest single-line smelter, with a processing capacity of 1.7 million tons of concentrate per year.

Meanwhile, the groundbreaking was also attended by President Joko Widodo, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas, as well as other related officials.

Related news: Ministry highlights synergy in five policy aspects to support 5G

Translator: Desca Natalia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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