On 22 August 2025, the Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands, Hidayat Arsani, and the Regent of Central Bangka, Algafry Rahman, met with an investor from China to discuss plans for a tin ore processing plant. Hidayat revealed that the largest tin ore processing facility in Indonesia will be constructed in Bangka Belitung by PT Tong Fang, owned by Xiao Nai Cheng and Wang Yu Long, with an estimated investment value of IDR 1.5-2 trillion. The products to be manufactured at this smelter include tin solder and tin wire. The Central Bangka region has been identified as the proposed location for the tin downstream industry, with a planned capacity of 300 tonnes per month. It is anticipated that the construction of the smelter will be completed within the next year, with the tin ore processing plant scheduled to commence operations.
This tin ore processing facility is expected to stimulate economic growth and generate new employment opportunities, with 70% of the workforce planned to consist of local personnel. The Bangka Belitung Provincial Government will collaborate with PT Timah Tbk as the primary supplier of tin ore raw materials for the smelter to optimise its operations. Xiao Nai Cheng is optimistic about the potential of PT Tong Fang's investment, believing it will be a success and generate numerous employment opportunities. This confidence is bolstered by the substantial support from the Governor of the Bangka Belitung Islands. PT Tong Fang is a major China-based company specialising in tin downstream processing. It has expanded into Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Turkey, and Mexico. This is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy of Bangka Belitung.
