At Indonesia Critical Minerals (ICM) 2026, Neo Energy’s President Commissioner, Joseph Hong, delivered a keynote speech that challenged the industry to think beyond today’s opportunities and focus on the legacy we leave for future generations.

Speaking before industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the mining and metals sector, Joseph Hong highlighted a simple yet powerful message: Indonesia’s green nickel future must be built not only on industrial growth, but also on environmental responsibility.

Drawing from nearly three decades of experience across finance, technology, and natural resources, Joseph Hong shared how sustainability has remained a guiding principle throughout his career. Reflecting on his previous experience in the timber industry, he explained how choosing responsible practices over short-term gains ultimately proved both environmentally and commercially beneficial.

“What truly matters is the legacy we pass on to the next generation: a greener world,” he said.

That philosophy continues to shape Neo Energy’s vision today.

As Indonesia accelerates its downstream industrialization strategy, Neo Energy believes the nation is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in sustainable nickel production. Rather than exporting raw materials, Indonesia is creating greater value through local processing, advanced refining, and the development of an integrated EV battery ecosystem.

According to Joseph Hong, this transformation is about more than economic growth.

“This is not only an industrial strategy. It is a sovereignty strategy,” he emphasized.

Central to Neo Energy’s vision is the development of one of Indonesia’s first Green HPAL (High-Pressure Acid Leaching) operations powered by renewable energy. The project aims to demonstrate that world-class nickel production and world-class sustainability standards can coexist.

By integrating cleaner energy sources, efficient processing systems, and lower-emission operational practices, Neo Energy seeks to establish a new benchmark for responsible industrial development.

The keynote also highlighted the company’s plans to integrate electric mining trucks with solar-powered charging infrastructure. This initiative supports Neo Energy’s broader goal of reducing diesel dependency, lowering carbon emissions, and creating a cleaner mining ecosystem.

Beyond technology and innovation, Joseph Hong emphasized that sustainability must be accompanied by accountability.

Neo Energy’s environmental approach begins long before construction starts, with biodiversity mapping, environmental baseline studies, and community engagement programs designed to understand and minimize potential impacts on surrounding ecosystems and local communities.

The company also continues to implement practical environmental protection measures, including sediment ponds and silt curtain systems to safeguard rivers and marine ecosystems near its operations.

For Neo Energy, responsible mining is not a future ambition, it is a commitment that starts today.

Closing the session, Joseph Hong reminded the audience that sustainability is a continuous journey rather than a destination.

“We do not share our journey because we believe we are better than anyone else. We share it to demonstrate our commitment to keep learning, improving, and striving to do better,” he said.

As Indonesia advances toward becoming a global hub for critical minerals and battery materials, Neo Energy remains committed to supporting that progress through innovation, transparency, and sustainable industrial development.

Join us in building Indonesia’s green nickel future, one that creates value not only for today, but for generations to come.

Neo Energy – Energy Made New

Back to list

Share :