Frequently Asked Questions

 

History of PT Danmar Explorindo

  • PT Danmar Explorindo was founded in 2000 by Daniel Madre after 12 years of experience working in the Indonesian coal and mineral exploration and mining industry.

  • Daniel Madre is a geologist with work experience in Australia, USA, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. He has presented numerous papers at industry events as well as written articles published in mining industry journals.

  • Daniel Madre has worked in Indonesia since 1988.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo has been providing Indonesian mining companies with mining consultant services since the year 2000.

  • The Danmar group of companies consists of PT Danmar Explorindo and PT Geo Search. Both are mining consultancy firms, with complementary specialities.

    PT Geo Search provides clients with services that optimise the exploration process from the earliest phase of investigation. This includes GIS studies and geophysical surveys, such as the UltraGPR, with the objective of early identification of potential mineral targets.

    Once this is achieved, PT Danmar Explorindo provides systematic investigations including field geology, drilling and mineral resource definition.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo believes that great mining projects owe their success to good geological foundations. Local geology is used to optimise early stage exploration methods and field geologists are there to ensure data is stored to the highest standard. Systematic exploration programs are designed to reduce risk and add value to mining projects which should culminate in reliable mineral resource estimates.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo has offices in Jakarta, Bali, and Bengkulu.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and has experience in mineral exploration projects throughout Indonesia and Australia.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo has experience in coal mining, gold, nickel, manganese, andesite, tin, phosphate, aggregate, and mineral sands.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo is most proud of its projects that started with exploration and resulted in successful mining projects, including:

    • Loa Raya and Gudang Hitam Prima coal mines in Kutai, East Kalimantan 2000-2005

    • PT Telen Indoclay the first nickel mine in Paser, East Kalimantan 2004-2009

    • PT Itamatra Nusantara nickel project in Kolonodale, Central Sulawesi 2007-2011

    • PT Ratu Samban Coal mining coal in Bengkulu, Sumatra 2007-2012

    • PT Hengjaya Mineralindo nickel mine in Morowali, Central Sulawesi 2019-2024


Mining Consultant Services

  • PT Danmar Explorindo provides holistic mining and mineral exploration services tailored to suit each unique project environment with an emphasis on generating reliable geological data. The services include Geology, Geophysical Surveys, Drilling, Design, Execution and Management of Exploration Programs, Online Exploration Monitoring Systems, Resource Modeling, Optimization and Mine Design, JORC and KCMI Compliant Resource Estimates, Monitoring Mine Plan Execution and Reconciliations, Drone Photogrammetry, Due Diligence Studies, Investor Advice, Project Generation, and Drill Rig Fabrication and Maintenance.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo approaches geological assessments of mineral exploration sites with a systemic process:

    1. Plot the coordinates and carry out GIS assessment

    2. Review our database and available information and make a desktop study

    3. If the results support further investigations, visit the location and verify the geology on the ground

    4. If justified, carry out geophysical or other preliminary surveys to assess the resource potential

    5. If justified by the previous steps, make a drill program to confirm resource characteristics and potential

    6. Carry out resource definition drilling and make Resource estimates using Code required

  • PT Danmar Explorindo only uses data that can be verified and validated, which is easier to do on projects where we are involved in the data collection. For mineral exploration projects where PT Danmar Explorindo handles the data collection, we ensure the integrity of the data with core photos, downhole geophysical logging, and sample splitting to ensure that data can be checked and validated. Only this data is used in Resource estimates using the KCMI or JORC codes.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo employs different geological tools based on the specific needs and factors of each mineral exploration project. Based on the location and specific mineral, we may recommend our mining clients use geophysical surveys to help indicate the potential size and structure of potential deposits before risking expenditure on more expensive exploration methods such as drilling.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo carefully reviews each individual mineral exploration project before recommending a specific technological approach. UltraGPR has proven to be an excellent tool to determine overall volumes of laterite nickel, bauxite, alluvial gold, and mineral sands type of deposits before any drilling has taken place. PT Danmar Explorindo clients have access to the in-demand UltraGPR technology since our sister company PT Geo Search is the authorised provider for South East Asia through its partnership with International Groundradar Consulting Inc.

  • Resource predictions are always approximations based on the available data. PT Danmar Explorindo constantly strives for precision in our Resource estimates, aiming to have each prediction as representative as possible using the available data. The precision also means we can repeat the prediction using alternative methods, such as a manual estimate, and still get a similar result. This means our mining and mineral exploration clients get the most value from geological models that provide the highest possible accuracy in our resource estimates.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo utilises different geophysical methods based on the specific needs of each mineral exploration project:

    1. UltraGPR for nickel laterite, alluvial gold, bauxite, minerals sands & peat

    2. Ground magnetometer data has been used to determine the distribution of volcanic rocks within sedimentary deposits such as coal

    3. Seismic surveys have been used to determine geologic structure of complex coal deposits

    4. Downhole geophysics is a necessity in coal drilling to verify coal thickness and quality

  • PT Danmar Explorindo mineral exploration clients benefit from using drones in mapping projects to generate topographic information, provide detailed aerial photography of target areas, and highlight land use and other potential features within a target area. The use of drones in this way saves a great deal of time and money.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo develops geological models that try to replicate the geological structure that controls the distribution and geological grain at every mining location. This can be very important in some mining projects such as laterite nickel. Using UltraGPR we can actually build a bedrock floor into the model. This tends to be a very complex structure but if we can analyse the directions of these structural controls mining can be orientated to optimise where resources are deeper and higher grade and avoid shallow pinnacle areas where thin lower grade ore makes these areas more suitable for building access roads and ramps.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo mineral exploration clients benefit from using drone surveys to get an aerial view of the project area. Mapping documents the geology and geography of the surface of the ground. Drilling provides the subsurface data. When these 3 aspects are combined, we can build a truly 3 dimensional model of a mineral resource area.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo utilises core samples to provide actual sample evidence of mineralization and grades of valuable minerals in the ground. This is the key data for points of observation used in our Resource assessments.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo believes that geological mapping and site verification of potential drill target areas is crucial before drill programs take place. This is done to familiarise ourselves with this target area and optimise drilling to take advantage of the mapping results to indicate where the best drill targets might be.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo assembles its own man-portable knockdown drills, called Dexdrills. All allow triple tube rotary core drilling, while maintaining its compact nature for easy transportation in rugged environments. Size and dimensions of the machines are customised according to the different drill conditions and requirements of each client.

    Most PT Danmar Explorindo mineral exploration clients use the Dexdrill 200 which can core HQ diameter holes to 150m or Dexdrill 350 machines which can core to 250m.

  • Most PT Danmar Explorindo mining and mineral exploration clients utilise rotary core drilling using HQ diameter equipment. However, PT Danmar Explorindo’s fabrication workshop in Bengkulu means we can readily create custom specifications for drilling as required by the specific factors of each project location.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo considers the individual factors of each job before developing a specific core handling SOP to ensure the highest quality. In most mineral exploration projects, we measure, photograph, and describe core samples for each core run before being sealed in a plastic core sock to prevent moisture loss.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo’s mining and mineral exploration clients benefit from well site geological support with our Dexdrills, ensuring quality is maintained from sample logging to drill operation and maintenance.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo’s mining and mineral exploration clients have the option of storing their own core samples or utilising a core storage facility in our Bengkulu workshop. Most of our mining company clients take control of their core sample storage.

  • Time is money in the exploration business, so PT Danmar Explorindo encourages and incentivizes teams to work efficiently, safely, and as quickly as possible. We have developed a bonus system for drill teams, including local labour, so they are rewarded for achieving or exceeding daily drill targets. This has significantly improved daily drill rates and reduced lost time due to local issues such as land compensation and absenteeism.

  • Geostatistics provide mathematical evidence for data trends and meaning. PT Danmar Explorindo has achieved excellent results using these techniques for the identification of different rock type groups and within datasets that were not previously recognized.

    One example of this was the identification of mud volcano sediments on top of a nickel laterite ore body in 2023 - 2024 in Papua. The mud volcano and limonite appeared to be identical in hand specimens but using geostatistics we found very different chemical data sets. The mud volcano sediments are low in nickel but we were able to test them for lithium and rare earth elements which tend to be present in mud volcano products.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo develops project budgets for mineral exploration management with the objective of carrying out work that adds value and reduces risk in the exploration process. We want to ensure investors in exploration will get positive returns on their investments.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo has used block model, gridded model, and implicit modelling for past mining and mineral exploration projects. We believe in using more than one modelling technique to ensure checks and balances on the results of each modelling method. In this process, Managing Director Daniel Madre acts as a senior geologist, and often does manual checks to ensure the scale and dimensions of our Mineral Resource estimates meet the highest standards.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo strictly follows and uses the standard and guideline recommended by the JORC and KCMI codes.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo’s mineral exploration clients utilise drone surveys to add an additional aerial dimension to exploration programs. The results of these surveys often highlight regional trends in vegetation, topography and lineaments which tend to be a result of the regional structural geological environment. For this reason they are very useful in geological interpretation of exploration areas.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo’s mineral exploration clients can benefit from drone surveys as a quicker way of gathering geophysical data, as they can provide data in a few days that would take field geologists weeks or even months to achieve by ground. Drone surveys streamline the field mapping process and often highlight the main targets before any ground work has taken place.

  • Some of PT Danmar Explorindo’s mining and mineral exploration projects that have benefited from drone surveys are:

    • PT Ratu Samban Mining, Bengkulu coal exploration Block 9

    • PT Hengjaya Mineralindo Morowali laterite nickel exploration

    • PT Gunung Bara Utama Kutai Barat coal exploration


Capabilities and Expertise

  • We believe that the key to successful exploration projects is to carry out work that systematically reduces risk and adds value to the potential mining asset. That’s why PT Danmar Explorindo approaches each mineral exploration project with a methodical process that should start with regional studies, desktop research, and field verification of available information to assess a project's resource potential. Then, we design an exploration program that is appropriate for the size and potential value of the project.

  • Standard Operating Procedures are in place for all PT Danmar Explorindo field work activities, with the objective that data collected is appropriately documented in such a way that it can be easily checked and validated as required in the future.

    A good example of this is taking core photos when drilling is being carried out so that core recoveries, the condition, and rock type can be verified by comparing the field geologist’s description of the core with actual photos. Each of our Dexdrills are also accompanied with a wellsite geologist to ensure this data is safeguarded to the highest standard.

  • Code compliant reporting is an important part of the PT Danmar Explorindo business, devoting the Jakarta office team to this type of work. Databases from field exploration activities are constantly monitored, validated, and updated as field projects progress so the code compliant reports can be made on request.

    PT Danmar Explorindo also has several Competent Persons in-house, ensuring our commitment to upholding the standards of both the JORC Code and KCMI Code.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo is a Leapfrog Geo perpetual licence owner, ensuring that our mineral exploration clients will always benefit from a better view of potential resources. Staff training and retraining is continuously implemented to maximise capability using this geological modelling software.

  • We believe that the key to successful exploration programs is systematic work that reduces risk and adds value to the potential mining asset. PT Danmar Explorindo helps mining clients begin every mineral exploration project with a systematic process based on geological experience and historical knowledge.

    The process begins with regional studies, data reviews, and field verification to establish the project’s potential with low impact tools for early stage of exploration such as the Dexdrills and the UltraGPR from our partner company PT Geo Search.

    Then, PT Danmar Explorindo develops an exploration program and budget appropriate for the size and potential value of the project, ensuring that clients optimise their time and money.

  • PT Danmar Explorindo’s over 20 years of mining and mineral exploration experience allows us to share insights that help clients prepare and plan long term mining operations and optimise outcomes. An example of this has been in nickel mining in Indonesia.

    Initially in 2018-2022, most nickel smelters in Indonesia required high grade saprolite. Most mining companies provided these products by disposing of limonite overburden as if it was waste. PT Danmar Explorindo predicted that limonite would become a viable mining product in the future so we advised our nickel mining clients to stockpile the limonite as they mined the saprolite, in preparation for its eventual increase in value.

    Our prediction came to fruition in 2023-2024 when demands for limonite rose so it could be used to produce nickel chemicals for electric vehicle batteries. This has benefited one of our main clients who heeded our advice and has 10 million tons of limonite ready in stockpiles for HPAL processing. Mines that discarded the limonite as waste have not been able to recover the limonite as it has become contaminated with other waste materials.


Policies and Standard Practices

  • PT Danmar Explorindo believes in leaving a small environmental impact, as well as supporting optimised mineral exploration to avoid unnecessary waste of resources and non-essential excavation. That’s why most of our field operations do not require heavy equipment support, with our core services of Dexdrills and UltraGPR from sister company PT Geo Search allowing mining and mineral exploration clients to conduct early stage exploration without preparing roads or altering terrain.

    Our environment and sustainability policies also extend to boots on the ground teams who are required to leave nothing behind by minimising litter and returning all trash back to camp for proper disposal.

  • Since it was established in 2000, PT Danmar Explorindo has continuously benefited from working and exchanging knowledge with local communities on mineral exploration projects. We believe that engaging with local communities is a key aspect to our work, using local labour to not only support our work operations but also tap into their specific knowledge and experience. Our project, office, and camp are purposely set up in local villages so we have direct access to communities that know the area best. Our core services of man-portable Dexdrills rely on local manpower for field deployment, and we take pride in training them on proper safety practices to upskill all PT Danmar Explorindo employees.

  • All PT Danmar Explorindo mineral exploration projects work with an appointed HSE or health safety and environment personnel to guide our field teams to comply with environmental and regulatory requirements. We work closely with our mining clients and each individual mining operation to comply with their individual requirements, while also implementing our own system developed over the years to ensure responsible environmental behaviour.

  • Our working relationships with mine operator clients keeps us up to date with the relevant environmental, safety, and mining regulations in each mineral exploration location. From this experience, we have established our own core Standard Operating Procedures that are updated and revised as we interact with our clients on every new mineral exploration project site.