PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Group, has launched a pilot project with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet, which will be used as raw materials in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. This is the world's first conversion of coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet.Artificial Graphite is the main material for making anodes. The Anode Sheet is the electrode where the oxidation reaction occurs (positive pole), and it is one of the important components for Li-ion batteries.
The Director of Portfolio & Business Development at MIND ID, Dilo Seno Widagdo, President Director of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), Arsal Ismail, along with PTBA Board of Directors, and BRIN Director of Research & Innovation Utilization in the Industry, Mulyadi Sinung Harjono, were all present at the soft launch of the pilot project of Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet in the Tanjung Enim Industrial Area on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Dilo Seno Widagdo stated in his remarks that members of MIND ID Group are always committed to optimizing the added value of Indonesia's mineral and coal resources. This is achieved through a mandate to manage strategic resources and reserves, execute downstreaming, and maintain market leadership in order to become world-class companies.
It is intended that this pilot project would progress to the commercial phase. He emphasized that the sustainability of this project really requires support and in-depth study of its economic aspects.
"MIND ID focuses on supporting the electric car battery ecosystem. Therefore, this potential must be fully supported by the entire MIND ID Group. This project is a strategic step that not only supports PTBA's business diversification, but also improves our future position in the electric vehicle battery supply chain,” said Dilo.
Meanwhile, Arsal Ismail stated that the conversion of coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet is part of the PTBA's commitment to supporting government policies that encourage downstream coal and ensure national energy security.
"Bukit Asam aims to provide continuous electricity to the country. One of the efforts we are making is to create a coal industry with clean technology in Indonesia. The application of coal-based anode sheets is the first in the world, and it could be a significant advance in the coal downstreaming business. The conversion of coal into anode sheets and artificial graphite through downstreaming will help the domestic electric vehicle market grow," said Arsal.
The need for Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet will increase in the future as electric vehicle industry grows. Artificial graphite and anode sheets are also required in other industries, such as energy storage, electronics, and medical equipment.
This downstreaming aligns with PTBA's vision to become a world-class energy company that cares about the environment, and supports the achievement of the Net Zero Emission (carbon neutral) target by 2060 or earlier.
At the same occasion, Mulyadi Sinung Harjono stated his hope that the pilot project to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet would help strengthen Indonesia's position in the strategic raw materials industry.
"We hope that our collaboration with PTBA will continue and produce significant research, and the pilot project to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet will proceed as planned," he said.
Brief information about the conversion of coal into artificial graphite and anode sheet:
The process of converting coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet involves multiple phases. The first stage involves the carbonization of coal into semicoke coal or Coalite.
Then Coalite is ground into powder, which is then soaked, heated, washed, dried, and polished until it becomes Artificial Graphite, the main material in Anode Sheet.
The first step in creating an anode sheet is combining artificial graphite with other materials. The mixture is then heated before being printed to form a sheet on copper paper. The final stage is the drying process, which will complete the production of anode sheet.
