The Pani Gold Mine is one of the key assets of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (IDX: EMAS), part of the PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk Group (IDX: MDKA). The project holds large-scale gold production potential with a multi-decade mine life. With gold and silver ore reserves of 203.1 million tonnes containing approximately 5.2 million ounces of gold and 5.5 million ounces of silver, Pani is set to become one of Indonesia's largest primary gold mines.
Located in Hulawa Village, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province, Pani commenced mining activities on 1 October 2025. First gold was successfully poured in the first quarter of 2026.
Pani is designed as an open-pit mine and is being developed in phases. The initial development phase utilizes heap leach processing with an initial capacity of 8 million tonnes of ore per annum, increased from the original plan of 7 million tonnes, with further studies underway to expand capacity to 10 million tonnes per annum after 2026.
In the subsequent phase, MGR has reconfigured the development plan for the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) facility, which is designed to commence operations in 2028 with a capacity of 12 million tonnes of ore per annum, significantly increased from the original design of 7.5 million tonnes of ore. At full capacity, Pani has the potential to reach peak gold production of approximately 500,000 ounces per year.
Drawing on its proven experience operating the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, East Java, Merdeka is committed to unlocking the potential of Mount Pani—a historic gold-producing region since the 19th century—into a modern gold mine that delivers lasting value for Gorontalo and Indonesia
Summary:
The Commercial Manager is responsible for managing cost control, budgeting, financial planning, and commercial performance of mining operations. The role ensures effective operational cost management, financial analysis, and performance optimization to support efficient and sustainable mining operations, in alignment with company policies and applicable regulations. On top of these responsibilities, this position holds responsibility for Support Services and IT to ensure smooth and efficient company operations. This includes oversight of site and office facilities (camp, accommodation, offices, and workshops), transportation, catering, and IT infrastructure.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor and control operational expenditure (OPEX) across mining, processing, and support functions to ensure cost efficiency and alignment with operational targets. Analyze cost performance metrics, including cost per unit (e.g., cost per ton, processing cost), and identify opportunities for optimization. Ensure adherence to company policies and financial governance standards while driving efficient resource utilization.
- Collaborate closely with operations, technical, and support teams to align financial objectives with operational plans. Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives across departments, focusing on enhancing productivity, cost efficiency, and overall operational performance.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting cycles. Develop, maintain, and continuously refine accurate cost forecasts and financial projections. Ensure strong alignment between operational plans and financial targets, enabling effective planning and resource allocation.
- Analyze operational and financial performance, including productivity, cost efficiency, and variance analysis. Identify key cost drivers and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. Prepare accurate, timely, and transparent financial and commercial reports, including budget versus actual performance, and highlight key variances to support management decision-making.
- Identify, develop, and implement cost-saving initiatives across operations. Drive continuous improvement in cost control practices and operational efficiency. Monitor and track the realization of cost-saving programs to ensure measurable value delivery to the organization.
- Provide financial and commercial insights to support operational strategy, planning, and decision-making. Support the procurement function through cost benchmarking and price analysis (non-contractual) to ensure cost competitiveness. Contribute to optimizing commercial outcomes and ensuring efficient utilization of resources across the business.
- Lead the management of the company's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, hardware, and business applications across site and office environments. Ensure system availability, reliability, and security to support uninterrupted business operations.
- Manage all general affairs functions to ensure smooth and efficient company operations. This includes oversight of site and office facilities (camp, accommodation, offices, and workshops); transportation; catering; housekeeping; and security services. Ensure all GA services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Economics, Engineer or a related field; Master's/MBA Preferred
- Minimum 10–15 years of experience in commercial, finance, or cost control.
- Experience in mining or heavy industry operations
- Strong experience in operational cost management.
- Strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Strong analytical and financial skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Leadership and team management experience.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management.
- Leadership and team management capability.
- Good understanding of mining operations and cost drivers.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
