By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Oct 29: OM Sarawak, the largest ferroalloy smelter in the region outside China, has been encouraged to capture value downstream by exploring opportunities to repurporse their production waste into products like calcium silicon cored wire, with applications in shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing, as well as for road construction in Sarawak.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg suggested that OM Sarawak establish a downstream arm to not only broaden its value chain but also support Sarawak’s circular economy for a sustainable future.
“There’s significant waste from the ferroalloy production process that could be repurposed to produce calcium silicon cored wire—a tough material suitable for reinforced screws used in shipbuilding and steel-based products, including aircraft components,” he remarked during OM Sarawak’s 10th anniversary gala dinner at a hotel here tonight.
Abang Johari further highlighted the potential use of production waste in road construction projects, including the Pan Borneo Highway, the coastal highway, and planned feeder roads connecting longhouses and villages over the next five to ten years.
“Raw materials for road hardening may become scarce as rock resources deplete, so transforming industrial waste into road construction materials could be a valuable solution,” he said.
This downstream expansion would not only strengthen OM Sarawak’s supply and value chain but also advance Sarawak’s circular economy goals.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak’s newly launched Sustainable Blueprint prioritises environmentally friendly, low-carbon manufacturing.
In this direction, he expressed confidence in the ferroalloy industry’s potential for sustainable growth, with a roadmap to develop ferromanganese-based products that could eventually be exported overseas.
He praised OM Sarawak for its commitment to innovation and green technology, aligning with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the region’s transition to a green economy powered by renewable energy.
Meanwhile, OM Holdings chief executive officer (CEO) Low Ngee Tong disclosed that over the years, the company has invested more than USD550 million to grow its facility into the largest smelter in the region outside China.
In 2023 alone, the company contributed RM840 million to Sarawak’s economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering new opportunities.
The company has also achieved over 80 per cent local workforce representation, a significant increase from its inception a decade ago.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi, Deputy Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and Sarawak Energy chairman Dato Ibrahim Baki were present. — DayakDaily
