The short course held this year carried the theme “Nickel Laterite Ore Processing”, and took place on October 13, 2025, at the GEM Laboratory, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Jatinangor Campus. A total of 17 participants from various industrial backgrounds took part in this intensive one-day program.

The event commenced with a laboratory tour at the GEM Lab, where participants were guided through the facilities and introduced to the advanced instruments and equipment used for mineral and metallurgical research. This session provided valuable insights into the laboratory’s cutting-edge capabilities and ongoing projects.

The technical sessions began with a presentation by Alexander Senaputra, S.T., M.Phil., Ph.D. (General Manager of Processing & Technical Services at PT Merdeka Battery Materials). He delivered a lecture titled “Business Overview of Nickel Laterite Ore Processing and Refining,” which discussed the industrial and economic perspectives of nickel laterite processing, including market trends, technological challenges, and business strategies in the nickel industry.

The second lecture was presented by Prof. Dr.mont. Ir. M. Zaki Mubarok, S.T., M.T. ( Head of the Hydro & Electrometallurgy Laboratory, ITB). His session, entitled “Characteristics of Nickel Laterite Ore and Selection of Processing Routes,” explored the mineralogical characteristics of nickel laterite ores and provided a detailed discussion on the criteria for selecting appropriate processing routes based on ore composition and desired product outcomes.

The program continued with a lecture by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Zulfiadi Zulhan, S.T., M.T., IPU. (Head of the Pyrometallurgy Laboratory, ITB), who presented “Pyrometallurgical Processing and Refining of Nickel Laterite Ore: Process Flowsheet, Equipment, Consumables, Slag Management Overview, and Recent Developments.” His presentation offered a comprehensive explanation of the pyrometallurgical processing pathway, including furnace design, material handling, slag chemistry, and recent advancements in efficiency and sustainability.

The final session was delivered by Ir. Zela Tanlega, S.T., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Hydro & Electrometallurgy Laboratory, ITB), with a lecture titled “Hydrometallurgical Processing and Refining of Nickel Laterite Ore: Process Flowsheet, Equipment, Consumables, Tailings Management Overview, and Recent Developments.” This session highlighted the hydrometallurgical techniques applied to nickel laterite ore, addressing process optimization, environmental management, and emerging innovations in sustainable tailings handling.

Overall, the short course provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of nickel laterite processing technologies, covering both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical approaches, and bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.