Currently, the electric battery is a very important component as a source of energy to run the machine. This driving energy source is more environmentally friendly because it reduces air pollution. Electric batteries have the ability to store electrical power and can be recharged (rechargeable).
There are two types of electric batteries that are widely used today, namely Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). Li-ion batteries use metallic elements lithium and cobalt as electrodes, while NiMH uses nickel.
Lithium ore deposits have not been found in Indonesia, although there are indications of mineralization associated with pegmatite granite. However, Indonesia has nickel and cobalt potential which is spread over several islands, namely Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Halmahera and Papua. Nickel and cobalt deposits in Indonesia are lateritic type deposits with higher grades of limonite and especially saprolite ores.
The government agency that has the authority to search for mineral potentials including nickel and cobalt throughout Indonesia is the Geological Agency through the Center for Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Resources. Mineral resource balance data is issued by the Center for Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Resources and contains the results of exploration activities and companies holding mineral mining business permits in Indonesia.
From this data, it is noted that the potential for nickel laterite ore with a total resource (inferred, indicated and measured) is 6.5 billion tons and a total reserve (predicted, proven) is 3.1 billion tons. The laterite ore contains a total nickel resource and reserve of 95 million tons and 68.7 million tons, respectively. Cobalt, which is a by-product of nickel laterite ore, has a total resource of 7.2 million tons and a total reserve of 1.2 million tons.
This number may still increase with ongoing exploration efforts. Currently, Lithium is not yet available in Indonesia, and research and exploration activities are still being carried out to find lithium deposits in Indonesia.
Further exploration activities will increase the number and status of resources and find new prospect areas to increase the number of nickel and cobalt resources and reserves.
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