RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Investments in mining downstream processing in Indonesia must be directed toward future technologies to withstand global industry shifts. This step is considered essential to maintain competitiveness in the mineral sector and avoid the risk of investments quickly losing value.

Indonesian Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) Head Arif Satria said the downstream industry cannot rely solely on existing technologies. Planning must anticipate innovations expected to emerge by the time facilities begin operations.

“Building a factory or industrial facility takes two to three years, and by the time it’s completed, the technology is already obsolete because new technologies have emerged,” Arif said during the BRIN Goes To Industry 5 (BGTI 5) event titled Downstreaming Research and Innovation in the Mining Sector in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the rapid pace of global innovation means traditional approaches to research and factory design are no longer sufficient. The industry must develop technology projections to guide long-term investment strategies.

BRIN is encouraging mining companies to map technological developments through 2035–2040. These projections are seen as crucial for adapting to future market changes and technological demands.

“We must utilize artificial intelligence (AI), experts, and the ability to analyze global trends so that we can understand what technologies are likely to be used in the future,” Arif said.

He emphasized that BRIN is ready to strengthen its role in assisting industry with technology forecasting. This approach is expected to identify tools and innovations relevant to the mining and energy sectors over the coming decades.

Through collaboration between research institutions and businesses, BRIN aims to make mineral downstreaming programs more effective, foster a competitive industry, and keep pace with global innovation so that Indonesia does not fall behind developed nations. ***