From March 3 to 5, 2025, Mr. Lee Dong-Chae, Chairman of ECOPRO — a key strategic partner — led a delegation to Indonesia for inspection, with a dedicated visit to the QMB Industrial Park for in-depth discussions to advance the implementation of the bilateral cooperative alliance in Indonesia. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, and Mrs. Wang Min, Joint Ultimate Controller and Director of GEM. During the visit, both parties held meetings in Jakarta with senior Indonesian officials, including Mr. Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry of Indonesia, and Mr. Erick Thohir, Minister of Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises, to explore collaboration opportunities.

Chairman Xu Kaihua and ECOPRO Chairman Lee Dong-Chae (front center) pose for a group photo in front of the high-pressure reactor at GEN Project, a joint venture between the two companies

On March 3, amidst a warm welcome from Chinese and Indonesian employees, Chairman Lee Dong-Chae and his delegation visited the Nickel Industry Museum to learn about QMB’s development history. He left an inscription expressing his belief that the company is “Bound to Thrive.” The delegation then visited core production facilities, including the high-pressure production line, precursor manufacturing center, and MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate) finished product workshop, witnessing how QMB leverages advanced hydrometallurgical technology for efficient nickel resource development. Chairman Lee Dong-Chae also inspected employee dormitories, cafeterias, and a prayer hall accommodating thousands, praising the company’s efforts in ESG sustainability and cultural integration.

ECOPRO Chairman Lee Dong-Chae, ,accompanied by Chairman Xu Kaihua, visited the QMB Nickel Industry Museum and inscribed the words “Bound to Thrive.”

GEM Chairman Xu Kaihua (front left) accompanies ECOPRO Chairman Lee Dong-Chae (front right) during an inspection of the MHP post-processing workshop

On March 4, Chairman Lee Dong-Chae and his delegation visited the IGIP (Indonesia Green Industrial Park)  for an on-site inspection. They gained a detailed understanding of the park’s master plan, industrial chain layout, and future development directions, jointly envisioning the broad prospects of the new energy materials industry.

Chairman Xu Kaihua briefs Chairman Lee Dong-Chae on the design and planning of the IGIP (Indonesia Green Industrial Park)

Chairman Xu Kaihua expressed gratitude for Chairman Lee Dong-Chae’s long-standing support, highlighting the  “unwavering trust and mutual success” that have set a benchmark for China-South Korea corporate collaboration. Overcoming immense challenges, QMB has achieved global recognition through cutting-edge technology, exceptional product quality, and cost-efficient globalization strategies, establishing itself as a world-leading “tech-driven, intelligent, and green” nickel hydrometallurgy model.

Chairman Lee Dong-Chae applauded QMB’s transformative growth and leapfrog development, highlighting its pivotal role in the global new energy materials sector. He expressed his anticipation that, with the support of Chairman Xu Kaihua, both parties will work closely to accelerate the construction of the construction of the “Nickel Resources-Precursor-Cathode Materials” supply chain in Indonesia, aiming to build the world’s most competitive alliance.

On the evening of March 4, during the holy month of Ramadan, Mr. Rosan Roselani, Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, accompanied by Mr. Garibaldi Thohir, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, China Committee (KIKC), took time out of his busy schedule to meet late at night with Chairman Xu Kaihua and Chairman Lee Dong-Chae. At the meeting, Chairman Xu Kaihua presented the design blueprint and progress of GEM’s collaboration with PT. Vale Indonesia Tbk — the Indonesia Green Industrial Park (IGIP) — a pioneering project to build the world’s first zero-carbon, green nickel industrial park. Chairman Lee Dong-Chae outlined ECOPRO’s business strategy and future plans. Minister Rosan expressed strong support and highly commended the joint efforts by Chinese and South Korean enterprises in advancing downstream nickel industry investments in Indonesia. He stated: “GEM and ECOPRO’s green industrial projects align perfectly with Indonesia’s national development strategy. These initiatives not only promote sustainable practices but also create substantial employment opportunities. To ensure the swift implementation, I am willing to provide 24/7 support, even during Ramadan, to accelerate the progress of your partnership.”

Chairman Xu Kaihua (first from right) introduces the IGIP (Indonesia Green Industrial Park) project to Minister Rosan Roeslani, Chairman Garibaldi, and ECOPRO Chairman Lee Dong-Chae

On March 5, Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Mr. Erick Thohir, chaired a tripartite cooperation meeting between GEM, ECOPRO, and PT. Vale Indonesia Tbk, attended by Chairman Xu Kaihua, Chairman Lee Dong-Chae, and Ms. Febriany Eddy, President Director of PT. Vale Indonesia and reported on the three parties’ investment cooperation in nickel resources and the downstream industrial chain in Indonesia. Minister Erick expressed his enthusiasm for GEM and ECOPRO’s joint initiative to build cathode material production capacity in Indonesia, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s strategic vision to expand downstream industries and enhance product value-added. He emphasized Indonesia’s ambition to become a critical player in the global supply chain. Highlighting Indonesia’s favorable investment climate, abundant resources, strong demographic dividend, and promising prospects in new energy, Minister Erick pledged full support for Chinese and South Korean enterprises investing in downstream industries. He urged them to promptly bring any required assistance to his attention.

Additionally, he noted Indonesia’s substantial and high-quality sovereign wealth fund, expressing readiness to facilitate investments in nickel resource projects and downstream industries that adhere to green and sustainable development principles. Concluding the meeting, Minister Erick joined hands with the entrepreneurs from China, South Korea, and Indonesia for a symbolic group photo, marking the commencement of their collaborative journey in Indonesia. He extended his best wishes for the tripartite partnership to achieve significant growth and success in the country.

Group photo of Chairman Xu Kaihua (first from right), Minister Erick Thohir (second from right), Chairman Lee Dong-Chae (second from left), and PT. Vale Indonesia President Febriany Eddy (first from left)

With sincere alliance, we forge ahead. Moving forward, GEM will resolutely implement its global industrial chain alliance strategy, joining forces with partners across South Korea, Indonesia, and China to build interconnected ecosystems and robust supply chains. By deepening and expanding its global network of collaborations, GEM will solidify partnerships as unshakable as bedrock and fortify its global market presence as impenetrable as a fortress. Leveraging this global industrial chain alliance, GEM will champion its green development philosophy: “Feed in lateritic nickel ore, produce battery materials, and deliver finished batteries.” Through this vision, GEM aims to  act as a facilitator for the high-quality development of Indonesia’s nickel resources and downstream industry chain and evolve into a world-class green industrial conglomerate.