Web notes; DMC - Challenges in coal demand.

On the 30th September 2021, the Djakarta Mining Club (DMC) held its 8th anniversary webinar “Indonesian Coal Industry; challenges in Meeting Global Demand & to Support the Low Carbon Development”. Unfortunately, I missed the start of this webinar, wherein my notes do not reflect the full nature of this great event. Ben Lawson of the Djakarta Mining Club acted as moderator, and stimulated discussion between: Dan Borzutzky – Trade commissioner / head of Economic Department Embassy of Chile in Indonesia. Raziel Zisman – Partner and leader Sustainable Government Initiative Whimie Consulting. Hendra Sinadia of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association. The webinar was held in English in a comfortable chatting mode.

Hendra Sinadia of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association provided some background data with slides on national and global coal production figures, coal price graphs, DMO numbers and Government projections for coal production and use, export destinations etc. The ICMA is preparing discussion points with the Government on suggested increases in royalty, carbon tax / carbon trading and other issues.

Discussion points included;

·       The inter- dependent and technology advancements of global mining, as further stimulated by Covid, is going through a massive transformation period.

·       Mining is an opportunity to transform national capital into human capital.

·       Go green where you can – may stimulate modular nuclear reactors to provide cheap power to the remote mining sites. Such cheaper and large energy sources may stimulate working lower grades with larger electric driven miners etc.

·       Coal power will continue for many years to come.

·       Should not hinder development through ill designed policies. Do it right first time. Make life bearable for both miners and government. Company boards are very reactive to negative government policies. Good policies attract good companies.

·       The race is on for green mining to compete in selling smelted product.

·       Chile is looking for greater exchange of mining professionals with Indonesia.