Groundwater Well Development for Otakeris Mining Operations

High-Performance Groundwater Supply System to Support Expansion in Sumbawa’s Mining Sector

Client: PT Amman Mineral
Sector: Mining Industry
Location & Timeline: Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, 2022–2023

Executive Summary

PT Amman Mineral required a high-performance groundwater supply system at its Otakeris site to meet projected water demand increases of 30–50% due to the expansion of mineral processing facilities and mining activities. The objective was to secure a reliable and high-volume water source for mineral processing, dust suppression, and facility operations while ensuring strict compliance with Indonesia’s environmental regulations.

SUPRA delivered the project under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (EPCM) model, covering resource assessment, engineering design, procurement, drilling, commissioning, and permitting. The result was more than eight production and monitoring wells constructed to Indonesia’s highest technical standards. The system reduced downtime risk by 40%, optimized operational costs through low-maintenance design, and improved aquifer sustainability through recharge measures and real-time monitoring. The project was completed on schedule with zero safety incidents and full regulatory compliance.

Project Context

In large-scale mining, water is a critical operational resource that supports mineral processing and dust control. At the Otakeris site, stable groundwater availability was essential to sustaining higher production volumes. The remote location in Sumbawa required precise logistical planning to transport high-specification drilling equipment and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel casings and imported Johnson Screens.

The wells needed to operate for more than two decades in acidic groundwater conditions with minimal maintenance. Regulatory requirements called for comprehensive hydrogeological studies in cooperation with Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). Community engagement was also a priority to secure land access and prevent delays during project implementation.

Project Challenges

• Limited hydrogeological baseline data, requiring advanced surveys to determine optimal well locations and depths.


• Remote location with complex logistics for equipment and material delivery from major supply hubs.


• Harsh climatic conditions creating additional demands on drilling equipment and worker safety measures.


• Requirement for corrosion-resistant infrastructure to ensure long-term performance in acidic groundwater.


• Multi-stakeholder coordination with regulators, local communities, and corporate HSE teams.

SUPRA’s Approach

The project began with detailed hydrogeological surveys in collaboration with BRIN, including aquifer mapping, recharge analysis, and geophysical testing. These studies informed well design specifications adapted to the site’s geological profile, integrating real-time monitoring systems to track water levels and quality.

Drilling operations utilized advanced rigs with direct circulation methods to maintain borehole integrity and minimize environmental disturbance. Precision procurement ensured timely delivery of stainless steel casings and Johnson Screens sourced from international suppliers. Throughout the process, SUPRA maintained transparent communication with the client, regulatory bodies, and local communities to ensure alignment, safety, and compliance.

Outcomes and Impact

The final system comprises more than eight production and monitoring wells capable of meeting the increased operational water requirements at Otakeris. Key achievements include:

• 40% reduction in downtime risk through resilient engineering design.


• Lower operational costs through durable, low-maintenance infrastructure.


• Enhanced sustainability via aquifer recharge measures and continuous monitoring.


• Strengthened operational stability and regulatory compliance to support long-term production objectives.

Strategic Significance

The project supports production growth and strengthens operational resilience by securing a critical water resource for Otakeris, . The combination of hydrogeological science, precision engineering, and effective stakeholder engagement offers a replicable model for mining water infrastructure in challenging environments. This achievement highlights SUPRA’s capability to deliver technically complex and logistically demanding projects to world-class standards, enabling further opportunities in the mining sector and other water-intensive industries.

Key Facts and Highlights

• More than 8 high-performance production and monitoring wells.


• Stainless steel casings and imported Johnson Screens for corrosion resistance.


• Designed for over 20 years of operational life with minimal maintenance.


• Integrated real-time monitoring systems for aquifer management.