Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that five nickel mining companies hold operating permits in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. Of those, two are licensed by the central government, while the remaining three obtained permits from local authorities.

Below are brief profiles of the companies:

1. PT Gag Nikel

According to Bahlil, PT Gag Nikel has been operating under a permit issued in 2017, based on Decree No. 430.K/30/DJB/2017 by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, valid until November 30, 2047.

This company holds a Generation VII Contract of Work covering 13,136 hectares on Gag Island. It completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal) in 2014, followed by an addendum in 2022, and another Type A Amdal addendum approved in 2024 by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

The company received Forest Area Utilization Permits (IPPKH) in 2015 and 2018, along with a Work Area Arrangement (PAK) approval in 2020. As of 2025, 187.87 hectares have been mined, and 135.45 hectares have undergone reclamation. PT Gag Nikel has not discharged wastewater yet, pending its Operational Feasibility Certificate (SLO).

Headquartered at Antam Office Building Tower B, MZ Floor, Jalan TB. Simatupang No. 1, South Jakarta, PT Gag Nikel holds a Generation VII Contract of Work (No. B53/Pres/I/1998), signed by the President of Indonesia on January 19, 1998.

Initially, Asia Pacific Nickel Pty Ltd held a 75% stake in the company, while PT Aneka Tambang (Antam Tbk) owned 25%. In 2008, Antam acquired all shares held by Asia Pacific Nickel Pty Ltd.

2. PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP)

PT ASP received its Production Operation Mining Permit (IUP) from the central government through Decree No. 91201051135050013, issued on January 7, 2024, and valid until January 7, 2034. Its concession covers 1,173 hectares on Manuran Island.

Environmental approvals, including an Amdal and an Environmental Management and Monitoring Effort (UKL-UPL), were granted in 2006 by the Regent of Raja Ampat. ASP is a subsidiary of PT Wanxian Nickel Indonesia and has been mining nickel ore on Manuran Island since 2006.

3. PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP)

PT MRP was granted an IUP under Decree No. 153.A/2013 by the Raja Ampat Regent, valid for 20 years until February 26, 2033. The mining area spans 2,193 hectares on Batang Pele Island. As noted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the company is still in its exploration phase and has not yet secured environmental documents or approval.

4. PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM)

KSM obtained its IUP from Decree No. 290/2013 by the Raja Ampat Regent, valid until 2033, covering a 5,922-hectare area. The company secured a Forest Area Utilization Permit (IPPKH) through a 2022 decree by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Although operations began in 2023, there is currently no ongoing production.

5. PT Nurham

PT Nurham holds an IUP under Decree No. 8/1/IUP/PMDN/2025 issued by the Regent of Raja Ampat. The license is valid until 2033, with a concession covering 3,000 hectares on Waigeo Island. While the company obtained environmental approval from the Raja Ampat Regency Government in 2013, operations have yet to commence.