PT Timah Tbk is developing primary tin mining, or tin mining on land in the form of rocks, as a new mainstay to anticipate the depletion of alluvial tin stocks.
PT Timah's Business Development Director, Suhendra Yusuf Ratuprawiranegara, said that alluvial tin reserves, or tin deposits usually transported from the ocean, in the company's operational area are expected to decrease by 2029. Therefore, his company has begun digging towards primary sources.
"It could be said that the alluvial reserves have begun to decrease, and by 2029, these reserves will reach a certain level. We're already moving in that direction (primary mining). This is where our responsive or transformational process comes in," Suhendra said in Pangkalpinang on Sunday.
Suhendra said that primary tin reserves amount to hundreds of thousands of tons, but have not been optimally exploited.
According to him, the state-owned company is currently exploring the most efficient technology for primary mining.
"That's why we're focused on implementing and trying to determine which technology is efficient and appropriate to increase PT Timah's revenue and profitability," he said.
Regarding location, Suhendra continued, there are at least four primary tin mines owned by PT Timah, but the main focus is Paku in South Bangka Regency, and Batu Besi in Belitung Regency.
