Inalum cuts alumina imports, saves Rp7-Rp9 trillion in foreign exchange
SGAR phase I in Mempawah now produces 1 million tons of alumina a year, with 550,000 tons absorbed by Inalum.
PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) has stopped importing alumina and expects to save Rp7 trillion to Rp9 trillion in foreign exchange each year. The shift is supported by domestic alumina supply through downstream bauxite development in the MIND ID Group ecosystem. Inalum Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Commercial Director Arif Haendra said the company’s aluminum raw material needs are no longer dependent on overseas supply. The supply comes from Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) phase I in Mempawah, Kalimantan Barat, which is already operating with a capacity of 1 million tons of alumina per year. About 550,000 tons are allocated to Inalum under a long-term agreement, while the remaining 450,000 tons are for export. Inalum and PT Aneka Tambang Tbk are also preparing SGAR phase II; the bankable feasibility study has been completed and the project is set to enter a final investment decision soon.