KBRN, Jakarta: PT Huayue Nickel Cobalt (HYNC), operating within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), has introduced an environmentally friendly innovation to improve efficiency in nickel ore distribution. The company now runs a long-distance slurry pipeline system as a sustainable solution.
Construction of the slurry pipeline began in 2020 to transport a mixture of water and nickel ore. After two years of development, the system officially commenced operations in January 2023.
Stretching over 60 kilometers, the pipeline connects PT SCM’s mining area to IMIP. “This technology makes ore transportation safer and significantly reduces carbon emissions,” said Huang Shanyun in a press release received by rri.co.id on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Huang explained that the pipeline traverses mountains and valleys with extreme elevation changes. The entire design and construction process adhered to international standards to ensure operational safety.
At the Feed Preparation Plant, ore is separated before being sent through the pipeline. Unusable material undergoes compaction to meet slurry flow requirements. Upon arrival at the plant, the slurry passes through a pressure-reduction station before being processed into MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate), a key component in the electric vehicle battery supply chain.
The slurry pipeline underscores HYNC’s commitment to green industry practices within IMIP. According to Huang, the technology reduces emissions by up to 30 percent while cutting transportation costs.
With a transport capacity of up to 12 million tons of limonite ore annually, the pipeline follows existing mining roads, eliminating the need for new land clearing. This method is safer for ecosystems, avoiding water and air pollution, while ensuring a stable supply unaffected by weather or road conditions.
“The slurry pipeline eliminates the need for hundreds of diesel-powered trucks,” Huang added. The system is centrally controlled and equipped with sensors to monitor pressure and pipeline conditions. Wall-thickness sensors are installed at pump stations for long-term safety, while personnel conduct routine patrols to ensure uninterrupted operations.
HYNC also carries out environmental monitoring in line with AMDAL Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) documents as well as Environmental Management Plan and Environmental Monitoring Plan (RKL-RPL) reports, ensuring ore transportation remains safe, low-risk, and low-carbon. (Gusti Panji/Sri Wahyuni)
