JAKARTA-French mining company, Eramet Group proved its seriousness to invest in the mining sector in particular nickel. The proof, the company has set aside funds amounting to U.S. $ 6 billion for investment in nickel mining project in Halmahera, North Maluku.

"Now the total investment that has poured into the company reached U.S. $ 450 million and will continue until the full amount of U.S. $ 6 billion," said Coordinating Minister Hatta Rajasa after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met CEO of Eramet Group Patrick Buffet, President's office, Wednesday (7 / 9).

The details, of U.S. $ 3 billion for the first phase of investment until 2012 and U.S. $ 3 billion second phase. According to Hatta is a very big investment, especially for the eastern corridor of Papua, Maluku and North Maluku. "The president welcomes this investment because it opens up opportunities of economic growth in East Indonesia, Papua particular corridor, Maluku and North Maluku," he explained.

Patrick Buffet explains, his company will be able to process 65,000 tons of nickel ore per year achieved in the long run. For the first phase, about 35 tons per year and the second phase of about 30 tons per year.

For information, Eramet Group, PT Aneka Tambang (ANTM), and Japan's Mitsubishi to build a joint venture company of PT Weda Bay Nickle to develop the management company of nickel ore in kecematan Weda, Halmahera. In that company, Antam has a 10% stake in PT Weda Bay Nickel, Eramet 56.6%, 33.4% and Mitsubishi.

Although only 10% of the shares, ANTM still have the option to increase its shareholding to 25%. Weda is a nickel mine with a capacity of 65 thousand tons per year. Nickel reserves estimated at 600 million tonnes.