Proposal links nickel downstream ambitions with cleaner heavy industry
Indonesia has proposed supplying domestically produced battery systems to support the electrification of heavy mining equipment in Belarus, as the two countries seek to expand industrial cooperation and advance cleaner mining operations.
Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the partnership would combine Belarus’ expertise in heavy equipment manufacturing with Indonesia’s growing battery industry, which is backed by the country’s nickel downstream strategy.
“One area we can develop is supplying battery storage systems from Indonesia if Belarus moves to electrify its heavy equipment,” Airlangga said after the Indonesia-Belarus Business Forum and Business Matching event in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Supporting nickel downstream industry
Airlangga said Belarus is one of the largest heavy equipment producers in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), making it a potential partner for Indonesia’s expanding electric vehicle battery ecosystem.
Under the proposal, Belarusian-made mining equipment could be powered by batteries manufactured in Indonesia, creating new demand for the country’s downstream nickel products.
Decarbonizing mining operations
Airlangga said electrifying heavy mining machinery would help reduce diesel consumption and carbon emissions while supporting the transition toward cleaner industrial operations.
He noted that Belarus manufactures heavy equipment with capacities of up to 200 tons, compared with around 100 tons for similar equipment produced domestically, highlighting the potential complementarity between the two countries’ industrial capabilities.
“If we work together, we can accelerate the use of electric-powered mining equipment while supporting Indonesia’s nickel downstream industry,” he said.