PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (EMAS), a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA), has commenced initial mining at the Pani Gold Project located in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province.

The first mining marks the start of overburden stripping and the extraction of first ore. This phase also signifies the official start of mining operations.

The Pani Gold Project is one of Indonesia’s largest primary gold deposits, with resources of more than 7 million ounces of gold and a multi-decade mine life. In the initial stage, the project will use a heap leach method with processing capacity of 7 million tonnes of ore per year and a target output of around 140,000 ounces of gold per year.

In the next phase, EMAS will build a carbon-in-leach (CIL) facility with an initial capacity of 7.5 million tonnes per year, expanding to 12 million tonnes per year by 2030, with potential peak production reaching 500,000 ounces of gold per year.

Merdeka Gold Resources President Director Boyke Poerbaya Abidin said that the commencement of first mining is a significant milestone for EMAS and all stakeholders. The operating phase of the Pani Gold Mine marks the beginning of mining activities that will soon be followed by heap leaching, processing, and first gold production.

“This gradual ramp-up will create jobs, drive regional economic growth, and deliver added value to all stakeholders. We are committed to responsible operations, adhering to Good Mining Practices (GMP) and high Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards so that the benefits are sustainable,” Boyke said in an official statement on Friday (October 3, 2025).

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