Ternate, Feb 17 (ANTARA News) - Nickel mining firm Harita Nickel which consists of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada and PT Megah Surya Pertiwi, has prepared an area of 80 hectares and allocated US$650 million of fund to build a new nickel smelter in Obi Island.

Harita Nickel Chief Deputy Head Exrel and CSR, Alexander Lieman said when contacted from Obi on Sunday, the new smelter will absorb 2,000 local workers to reduce unemployment in this area.

The smelter is expected to produce 24,000 tons of ferronickel which contains 10 percent of nickel.

Meanwhile, Harita Nickel Mining Chief Engineering, Basri Kambatu said the company would contribute to the absorption of local labor and regional and state revenues.

The smelter is scheduled to begin operation in 2020, he said.

Reporting by Abdul Fatah

(E002/B)

Pewarta: Abdul Fatah

Editor : John Nikita S


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