Jakarta, October 16, 2025 – PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM), a copper exploration company holding a 7th Generation Contract of Work, shared insights on critical mineral exploration at the Mineral & Coal Convention–Expo (Minerba Convex) 2025. The event, held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), was organized by the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) as a forum for exchanging innovations and opening up investment opportunities in the Indonesian mining sector.
STM President Director, Bede Evans, was one of the speakers at the discussion session themed “Critical & Strategic Minerals to Strengthen National Industrialization.” In addition to Bede Evans, there were other speakers, namely the Division Head of Downstream Strategy, Research, and Process Engineering MIND ID, Muhidin; Deputy Chair of Data and Information of the Electric Vehicle Industry Association (Periklindo), Puryanto; and Indonesian Advanced Materials Expert Koesnohadi Kuncoro. This discussion was also attended by experts from relevant ministries and institutions as respondents, as well as the general public.
Critical minerals, the main topic of discussion, are minerals that play a vital role in the national economy, strategic technology, and the global energy transition. However, these minerals are vulnerable in terms of supply availability. According to the discussion moderator, Resvani, who also serves as Chair of the Minerba Convex 2025 Implementing Committee, cross-sector collaboration is needed in the development of critical minerals to increase competitiveness on the global stage.
“Critical mineral exploration is not easy. The process requires significant investment, is often located in difficul locations, and faces various technical and non-technical challenges. We need strong collaboration, research development, and human resource capacity development,” said Resvani, who is also Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Mining Experts Association (Perhapi).
Copper is a critical mineral and a key component of global energy transition plans. However, according to a 2022 study by S&P Global, the gap between copper supply and demand is expected to be significant by 2035—doubling compared to 2022. Substitution and recycling will not be sufficient to meet the needs of electric vehicles, electricity infrastructure, and renewable energy generation.

In his presentation, Bede Evans also stated that the demand for the critical mineral copper continues to increase both nationally and globally. “As a Company, Sumbawa Timur Mining is ready to meet the requirement through the development of the Hu’u Project. This copper exploration project is home to the Onto Deposit, the largest deposit discovered in the last 15 years, with a future production capacity estimated at 24 Mtpa in Lift 1 and 48 Mtpa in Lift 2,” he said.
Bede also explained that STM’s approach to becoming a world-class copper mining company encompasses several strategies, including the integration of science and technology, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values. “To realize a company that can contribute optimally and sustainably, we will also utilize the potential of geothermal energy to support the low-carbon energy needs of our activities,” he explained.
Bede believes that each stakeholder has a crucial role to play in developing Indonesia’s critical minerals sector. He also believes that STM’s role as part of the industry is to invest in appropriate technology and methodology, adhere to transparency principles and international standards to ensure recognition of exploration results in the global market, and commit to social and environmental responsibility.
“Through aligned policies, research collaboration, the application of advanced technology, and strong human resource capacity, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become a global leader in critical mineral exploration. STM is committed to participating in national efforts to strengthen the critical mineral supply chain through world-class, collaborative, and sustainability-oriented exploration,” he concluded.
This year’s Minerba Convex attracted over six thousand visitors from diverse backgrounds, including businesspeople, government officials, academics, associations, and the general public. In addition to thematic discussions, Minerba Convex 2025 also featured a variety of engaging booths, a forum for assistance with compliance with mining regulations, and a Mining Kids Adventure, a fun way for children to learn about the world of mining.
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About PT Sumbawa Timur Mining
PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) is a joint venture company between PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (20%) and Eastern Star Resources Pty Ltd (80%). STM manages the Hu’u Project, a copper exploration project operating under a 7th Generation Contract of Work (CoW) located in Hu’u Subdistrict, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.
The CoW area also contains geothermal resources. To explore this potential, STM established its affiliate company, PT Sumbawa Timur Geothermal, which has received a Geothermal License (IPB) from the government. STM continues its journey toward realizing its vision of becoming a world-class copper mining operation powered by renewable energy.
For more information, please contact STM Communication Team .





















