Indonesia is currently working on developing its downstream processing capabilities, as it plans to ban the export of unprocessed minerals, including bauxite, by 2022, based on a mining bill introduced back in 2009.

A Black & Veatch-led project management consortium (PMC) is helping to develop a downstream processing facility in West Kalimantan.

As the consortium leader, the engineering group will perform design review, equipment inspections, and provide power and coal gasification subject matter expertise.

Consortium partner Progesys, a Canada-based engineering company, will be managing the alumina refinery process design scope, while Indonesian construction management company Jaya CM will be supporting the project with site construction engineers and inspectors.

As the project consultant, the consortium is also responsible for evaluating engineering, procurement and construction bids and reviewing design engineering. It will monitor major equipment supply and conduct factory acceptance tests. It will also oversee site construction and commissioning.

The processing facility will feature a one-million-tonne-per-year smelter-grade alumina refinery, a 2 x 40,000-normal-cubic-metre-per-hour coal gasification plant and a 3 x 25 megawatt coal-fired power plant.

Jim Spenceley, senior vice president for mining at Black & Veatch, said: "Developing the downstream mineral processing industry will expand the Indonesian economy and create jobs.

"Black & Veatch is ready to leverage our global expertise across business units to support as PMC overseeing our client's Chinese engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to ensure that the client realises the quality, safety and value they are seeking."

Black & Veatch is currently working as EPC contractor for more than 4.5GW of conventional power generation projects in Indonesia. The company provides its solutions to power sector clients in Indonesia through PT Bina Viktori Indonesia.