PT Amman Mineral Internasional (AMMAN) is planning to imminently begin copper cathode production at its new Indonesian smelter.

The smelter is located in West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, and has a processing capacity of 900ktpy of copper concentrate. It is expected to produce 220ktpy of cathodes, along with by-products including sulphuric acid (801ktpy), gold (18tpy), silver (55tpy), and selenium (77tpy)

AMMAN produced its first copper anode in February but faced technical challenges in transitioning from being a concentrate producer to a producer of cathode. Its concentrate input capacity is currently at 40%, slowing the ramp-up process. Previously, AMMAN benefited from the Indonesian government’s temporary export permit, which allowed it to export copper concentrate, but this expired at the end of 2024.

AMMAN’s progress is significant for the copper market, particularly for refined supply. If commissioning proceeds smoothly, Indonesia could contribute much-needed cathode production, easing regional tightness. However, further delays would limit refined output and continue to restrict concentrate availability due to the export ban.

In the long term, AMMAN’s smelter will strengthen Indonesia’s position in the copper value chain by reducing its reliance on imported refined copper and supporting domestic industrial growth. In 2024, Indonesia produced 1,048kt of copper concentrate, with smelter output at 327.3kt and refined copper production at 327.5kt. With AMMAN’s 220kt capacity, the share of Indonesia’s domestically processed mined copper will rise from about 31% to 52%.