Molycop says it has strengthened its operations in Indonesia with the commissioning of a new SAG ball production line at its Cilegon facility.
This expansion, coupled with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art cast high chrome plant in Cikande, marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to meet the growing demands of the Southeast Asian mining industry with efficiency and reliability, it says.
With these advancements, Molycop says it enhances its ability to provide high-quality grinding media solutions for its customers and strengthens its position as a leader in grinding media manufacturing in Indonesia and in the wider region.
The Cilegon plant has been a key part of Molycop’s Indonesia operations for over 25 years. Initially set up to serve the local market, it has now been upgraded to meet the rising demands of the broader Southeast Asian mining sector. The new SAG ball production line at Cilegon doubles the plant’s production capacity from 50,000 t/y to 120,000 t/y. This expansion significantly improves the plant’s ability to produce high-quality grinding media for the mineral processing industry.
Keith Ritchie, General Manager, Molycop Indonesia, says the opening of the SAG ball line represents a step-change for Molycop’s operations.
He explained: “The expansion at Cilegon, alongside our cast high chrome production at Cikande, positions Molycop as a comprehensive provider of grinding solutions in Southeast Asia. This development significantly enhances our ability to deliver both forged and cast grinding media directly from within the region, reducing lead times and improving supply chain efficiency.”
At the heart of Cilegon’s advanced technology is a state-of-the-art heat treatment facility that, the company says, simultaneously optimises NG SAG abrasion resistance and toughness to maximise performance even in the most demanding mill environments. As well as featuring robust inline processes, the production line offers flexible product switching capabilities to allow for easy scaling up of specific product output as required.
The newly established cast high chrome plant in Cikande, the first to be 100% Molycop-owned, adds another layer to Molycop’s capabilities. The facility produces cast high chrome balls and cylpebs, two types of grinding media known for their high abrasion resistance and durability.
Za’iimatul Husnaa Muharromiyya, Molycop Business Development Manager, says several technological advancements have been applied to ensure product quality: “Both the new SAG ball line and the cast high chrome plant are equipped with multi-layered heat treatment processes and quality control facilities. This ensures that the grinding media we produce are of the highest standard, with consistent hardness, impact resistance and durability. Our customers benefit from reliable products that perform consistently in demanding milling conditions.”
Salyo Kahar Dikdoyo, Head of Commercial and Business Development, says the new facilities offer customers even greater product flexibility: “Molycop can now produce a wider range of sizes and compositions, providing customers with more options tailored to specific milling needs. This flexibility allows customers to select the most suitable grinding media for their operational conditions, which can lead to cost savings and improved grinding performance. The increased production capacity at Molycop’s plants means our customers benefit from enhanced supply reliability, shorter lead times, and access to the latest innovations in grinding media.”
Molycop says it is committed to local manufacturing in Indonesia. Both the Cilegon and Cikande plants are staffed by a predominantly local workforce, contributing to the region’s economic growth and community development. The plants also meet the Indonesian government’s local content requirements, with the Cilegon facility achieving over 50% local content certification.
The opening of the new SAG ball production line and acquisition of the cast high chrome plant at Cikande represent a strategic step forward for Molycop in Indonesia. By investing in advanced technologies, expanding production capacity, and focusing on local manufacturing, Molycop has reinforced its reputation as a leader in grinding media solutions.
Ritchie concluded: “Our strategic expansion not only allows us to handle higher volumes but also provides us with the flexibility to adapt to varying customer requirements, positioning us as a trusted supplier capable of delivering consistent, high-quality media promptly and efficiently.”
The post Molycop expands SAG ball production capabilities in Indonesia appeared first on International Mining.