By Dominikus
China Aluminum International Engineering Corporation (Chalieco) has deepened its collaboration with PT Inalum (Persero), Indonesia’s state-owned aluminum maker, and state-owned mining firm PT Antam Tbk, securing an EPC contract for the Mempawah Phase I alumina refinery project in Indonesia. The company is also looking to secure additional EPC contracts, including for Mempawah Phase II, and other electrolytic aluminum projects, further expanding its footprint in the Indonesian market.
Chalieco’s pursuit of these new contracts aligns with its strategy to bolster its position in Indonesia's aluminum and nickel sectors and build on its long-standing relationships with Inalum and Antam.
Chalieco has secured the EPC project for Indonesia Mempawah Phase I, owned by Inalum and Antam, under PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (BAI). By December 2024, the BAI 1,000 kt/a Alumina EPC Project will successfully begin operations. Furthermore, Chalieco is actively pursuing EPC projects for Indonesia Mempawah Phase II as well as electrolytic aluminum projects owned by Inalum.
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“The company fully implements the ‘Technology + International’ strategy and has exported its technology and equipment to dozens of countries, including Indonesia. It has contracted and executed large-scale EPC projects for major clients such as Inalum and PT Antam Tbk. In Indonesia, the company continues to deeply engage with these major customers, undertaking and implementing several EPC projects for aluminum oxide and electrolytic aluminum transformation. Chalieco holds a 100% share in Indonesia's electrolytic aluminum design market, ranks first in aluminum oxide bank-level feasibility studies, and leads in EPC general contracting, with a strong competitive advantage in both aluminum smelting and nickel smelting construction. Our goal is to reach a new level in overseas non-ferrous markets, focusing on key regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Russian-speaking countries, promoting key overseas EPC projects such as Indonesia’s Mempawah Phase II, and more,” said LI Yihua, Chairman, in his report on Friday (28 March 2025).
As of now, Inalum aims to achieve primary aluminum capacity of 900 ktpa, secondary billet capacity of 30 ktpa, and alumina production capacity of 2 mtpa by 2029. In 2025, the focus will be on the development of Smelter 2 (600 ktpa), energy cooperation (EPC, Offtake Guarantee), SGAR Phase 1 (1,000 ktpa) COD and operation, SGAR Phase 2 (1,000 ktpa) FID approval, revamping existing production facilities, and optimizing pots (Pot Conversion – 20 ktpa). The estimated electricity demand for the new aluminum smelter in Mempawah is 1,008 MW.
In terms of Indonesia business development, the company has strengthened its cooperation with renowned non-ferrous metal enterprises and has initiated in-depth communications with major entities like MIND ID Group, PT BAI, and PT Kalimantan Aluminium Industry, all in Indonesia.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
