The Wetar Copper Mine is the only operation in Indonesia that directly produces and exports high-quality copper cathode. The mine is operated by PT Batutua Kharisma Permai (BKP), which holds the mining license, and PT Batutua Tembaga Raya (BTR), which holds the industrial license to process ore into copper cathodes. Both companies operate on Wetar Island, Southwest Maluku.
Since being acquired by PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk in 2018, the mine has played a vital role in strengthening Indonesia’s copper supply while supporting sustainable mining practices and local community development.
To optimize the utilization of spent ore from the Wetar Copper Mine, Merdeka developed the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Plant. This facility processes high-grade pyrite spent ore from Wetar into various products, including sulfuric acid, saturated steam, iron ore pellets, copper sponge, copper cathodes, lead-zinc hydroxide, gold doré, and silver.
The AIM Plant is located in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi and is managed by PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, which completed its IPO in 2023. With access to established infrastructure and close proximity to industrial acid and steam buyers, the AIM Plant plays a key role in the electric vehicle battery value chain. Pyrite shipments from Wetar to the AIM Plant represent a mineral conservation effort—ensuring that all mineral content from mined ore is fully utilized, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.
The Wetar Copper Mine is also committed to environmental stewardship. Water is sourced from rivers under government permits and processed in a closed-loop system. Environmental monitoring is conducted regularly, including river and marine water quality testing, biodiversity studies, and progressive land reclamation.
In terms of community development, the mine supplies electricity and clean water to the villages of Lurang and Uhak, with over 65% of its workforce made up of local residents. Social programs include vocational training, scholarships, and support for local businesses. The mine also offers opportunities for women to work as equipment operators.
