Coal resources in Sumatra are the largest in Indonesia. At this time almost all of these coal resources are concentrated in South Sumatra Province. This may not be because South Sumatra has more coal than other provinces in Sumatra but more likely a consequence of the relative lack of exploration in other areas.

Ideally, exploration for Nickel laterite deposits should begin with regional studies and other GIS techniques. In South East Asia, these types of low rank deposits are relatively easy to find. They can occur anywhere, where Ophiolite formations have been uplifted and weathered over time.

Indonesia has a recorded history of underground mining going back more than 130 years. From a small mining industry in 1980, Indonesia now has some of the world’s biggest mining producers in commodities ranging from coal, tin, nickel, copper and gold. Underground mining will become increasingly common in Indonesia, not only as a continuation of mining production, but to achieve it with less environmental impact, higher efficiency and lower cost.