PT Borneo Indobara Launches Electrified Equipment for Green Mining
11 Feb 2026, 08:39 AM
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PT Borneo Indobara (BIB) officially marked a new chapter in the national mining industry’s energy transformation through the "Ceremonial Electrification and Green Mining Realization" event held at the Kusan Office. This moment serves as a strategic milestone in the company’s journey to accelerate energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and implement integrated sustainable mining practices.The inauguration, which coincided with BIB's 20th anniversary, was attended by hundreds of guests from various regions in Indonesia, industry partners, and international representatives from China. Several strategic stakeholders were present, including PLN’s Director of Retail and Commerce, Adi Priyanto; the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ Chief Mine Inspector, Ahmad Syauki (virtually); representatives from BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency); as well as contractors and supporting business partners.Riadi Simka Pinem, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and BIB’s Head of Mining Engineering, emphasized that the electrification of mining equipment is part of the company's long-term transformation to support national energy security and independence.“From February 7–8, 2026, we showcased more than 150 units of electric and hybrid-based mining equipment. Today marks the beginning of massive electrification implementation across all of BIB’s operational lines,” he stated.Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BIB, Raden Utoro, noted that this initiative is currently one of the largest mining equipment electrification programs in Indonesia. The company targets 25 percent of its fleet to switch to electric power by 2026, increasing to 75 percent by 2028, and reaching Net Zero Emission targets in the 2028–2029 period.“This transformation is not just a technical step; it is a corporate strategy to ensure business sustainability amidst global demands for a low-carbon industry,” Utoro asserted.To support this transition, BIB is strengthening its electrical infrastructure through strategic collaboration with PLN. Currently, a power supply of 40 MVA has been integrated into the operational chain, projected to increase to 200–240 MVA by 2028 as the use of electric fleets expands. Supply reliability is a crucial factor in maintaining the continuity of cable- and battery-based equipment operations.PLN's Director of Retail and Commerce, Adi Priyanto, assessed that the transformation toward electric vehicle (EV) mining trucks is a concrete manifestation of the national energy transition as well as a rational and visionary business decision.“The transformation toward EV mining trucks is not just a symbol of change, but a strategic step that is efficient and long-term oriented,” he said.Bonifasius, CEO of PT Golden Energy Mines Tbk—the parent company of BIB—affirmed that electrification is a tangible response to global challenges toward a low-carbon economy. “Electrification is an essential foundation to ensure the sustainability of the mining industry in the future,” he said.BIB's move aligns with the directives of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to reduce dependence on fuel oil (BBM) imports, which cost hundreds of trillions of rupiah annually. The electrification of mining equipment is seen as a strategic solution to reduce national fuel consumption while simultaneously increasing the cost efficiency of industrial operations.In addition to fleet electrification, BIB also introduced supporting technological innovations, including drone-based weather modification in collaboration with BMKG to control rainfall patterns in operational areas. Budi Harsono, BMKG’s Director of Weather Modification Operations, stated that BIB has the potential to become the first coal mining company to implement systematic and integrated weather modification operations.Another innovation is the implementation of Weigh in Motion (WIM) technology, which allows trucks to be weighed precisely without having to stop, thereby increasing time efficiency and operational productivity.This transformation has also received tangible support from working partners. PT Anugrah Energi Kalimantan, one of BIB's contractors, revealed that approximately 20 percent of its fleet has already switched to electric power, showing significant efficiency in the long run.Beyond technical and environmental impacts, this initiative has stimulated the local economy. A total of 26 MSMEs from 22 villages surrounding the mine were involved in providing catering for over 2,000 guests during the event series, as part of the company’s commitment to community empowerment.Through this program, BIB reaffirms its vision of Sustainable Green Mining – Illuminating the World, while strengthening its position as a pioneer of sustainable mining in Indonesia that is adaptive to global challenges and the future energy transition agenda.
