Global Tin Demand Set to Surge Amid Rising Demand from Data Centers and Solar Panels
Data Centers Solar Panels Expected to Drive – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – In a recent media session, Harry Budi Sidharta, deputy director of PT Timah, highlighted that the data center and solar panel sectors are poised to become key drivers of global tin demand in the coming years. This outlook underscores the evolving role of tin in modern technology and infrastructure development.
Rising Demand from Technology Sectors
Harry emphasized that the global demand for tin has remained fairly consistent, primarily driven by industrial applications such as electronics. However, he noted that the industry is on the verge of a significant shift due to the growing reliance on tin in critical technologies. “Solar panels and data centers are the drivers of tin demand growth,” he stated during a briefing in Jakarta on June 11, 2026.
“Solar panels and data centers are the drivers of tin demand growth,” Harry said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Indonesia’s Strategic Position in Tin Production
Harry also pointed out that Indonesia continues to play a vital role in global tin supply. The country’s mineralization belt, stretching from the Bangka Belitung Islands to the Riau Islands, offers a distinct advantage that few other regions can match. This geographic feature ensures that Indonesia remains a central player in the tin market.
“In Indonesia, the only tin resources are found in Bangka, Belitung, and a little in Kundur. There are no other locations in Indonesia. The tin veins from Bangka are found in Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, and then in Myanmar, which then move up to China. Those are the tin veins, and they don’t go anywhere else,” Harry said.
Ensuring Supply Sustainability
Despite the positive outlook, Harry stressed the importance of long-term planning to sustain production levels. “We must focus on maintaining supply sustainability through exploration and reserve expansion,” he added. This strategy is essential to meet the increasing demands from both the data center and solar panel industries.
Expanding into Deeper Offshore and Primary Mining
As part of its commitment to supply security, PT Timah is actively assessing new opportunities in mining. Harry revealed that the company is evaluating deeper offshore operations, which could unlock additional reserves. “In the future, we will mine offshore, perhaps deeper. We are currently evaluating our vessels to be able to mine deeper at sea,” he explained.
Simultaneously, the firm is exploring primary mining on land. “On land, we will move into primary mining,” Harry continued. This dual approach aims to diversify production sources and reduce dependency on existing reserves.
Financial Performance and Strategic Goals
PT Timah’s recent financial results reflect its progress in the industry. In the first quarter of 2026, the company achieved a net profit of Rp1.5 trillion, surpassing its target of Rp252 billion by 595 percent. This strong performance was fueled by a rise in global tin prices and increased production volumes.
Moreover, the company’s revenue reached Rp5.47 trillion during the same period, marking a 160.5 percent year-on-year growth compared to Rp2.10 trillion in the previous year. These figures demonstrate the company’s ability to capitalize on market dynamics and its strategic focus on scaling operations.
Future Plans and Technological Readiness
Harry also outlined plans to integrate advanced technologies into mining processes. “We are also preparing various technological studies to support more complex mining operations,” he noted. These initiatives are designed to enhance efficiency and enable the extraction of tin from previously untapped areas.
The company’s long-term Work and Budget Plan (RKAB) currently targets 30,000 tons of production. However, Harry indicated that this plan will evolve to align with the company’s expanding reserves and resource base. “Our goal is to increase production in line with efforts to bolster our reserves and resources,” he added.
Industry Trends and Global Implications
As data centers and renewable energy infrastructure continue to expand, the demand for tin is expected to rise significantly. This trend highlights the metal’s indispensable role in supporting technological advancements. Harry’s remarks underscore how Indonesia’s position in tin production is not only secure but also strategic in the context of global supply chains.
Indonesia’s mineralization belt, which spans from the Bangka Belitung Islands to the Riau Islands, is a critical asset. This region’s tin deposits are not only vast but also concentrated, making it a focal point for both domestic and international stakeholders. Harry’s statement reinforces the idea that Indonesia’s resources are uniquely positioned to meet future demands.
Staying Ahead of Market Changes
With the global economy increasingly dependent on technology, tin’s demand is set to grow. PT Timah’s proactive measures in exploration and technological development position it to lead in this transformation. The company’s focus on offshore and primary mining ensures it remains adaptable to shifting market conditions.
Harry’s comments highlight the need for innovation and resilience in the mining sector. By investing in deeper offshore operations and refining its land-based strategies, PT Timah aims to solidify its role in the global tin market. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for sustaining growth and meeting the needs of industries that rely on tin for their operations.
Read more about recent developments in the Indonesian tin industry and global market trends by exploring Tempo’s coverage of related topics. For the latest updates, follow Tempo on Google News.
