Feasibility Study for Investment Decision in Silica Sand Mining Through Comparative Analysis of New Machine Purchase, Machine Refurbishment, and Joint Operation

Authors

  • Muhammad Ghifari Fachrezi Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59188/jurnalsosains.v5i12.32606

Keywords:

Feasibility study, investment analysis, silica sand mining, Discounted Cash Flow, risk analysis

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of three investment alternatives for PT Naga Mas Sulawesi in the development of silica sand mining operations: the purchase of new machinery, the refurbishment of existing machinery, and operational cooperation. The main objective is to identify investment strategies that provide the best economic value by considering the financial performance and risk profile of each alternative. The analysis was conducted using PESTEL and VRIO frameworks to assess the company's external environment and internal capabilities, as well as the Discounted Cash Flow method with Net Present Value, Profitability Index, Payback Period, and Internal Rate of Return indicators to evaluate financial feasibility. Risk assessments were conducted using a risk matrix that identifies operational, financial, regulatory, and environmental exposures. The results show that the New Machine scenario provides the highest financial performance, with an NPV of IDR 2.15 trillion, a Profitability Index of 233.23, an IRR of 71%, and a Payback Period of 1.67 years, even though it entails greater operational risks. The Machine Refurbishment scenario generates moderate profits with medium-to-high risk, while the Joint Operation scenario offers stable royalty income with low risk but no operational control. Overall, the New Machine scenario is the most optimal choice, considering financial and risk aspects. Recommendations include strengthening operational planning, cost control, preventive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and long-term contract agreements to enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

References

Acosta, A. S., & González, M. R. (2023). Resource inimitability and sustained competitive advantage in industrial firms. Journal of Business Strategy, 44(2), 78–91.

Alert, D. (2025). Dynamic cash flow modelling in mining: Maximising valuation accuracy. Mining Finance and Economy. https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/dynamic-cash-flow-modeling-mining-2025/

Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Bosco, R., & Agaba, T. (2023). The role of feasibility studies in public investment decisions: Evidence from developing economies. Public Finance Review, 51(3), 245–268.

Brigham, E. F., & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2020). Financial management: Theory and practice (16th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Bui, T. D., & Tran, H. N. (2023). PESTEL analysis and strategic planning in emerging markets. International Journal of Strategic Management, 23(1), 56–74.

Doc, M. (2025). How to evaluate a mining project using discounted cash flows? Mining Finance and Economy. https://www.miningdoc.tech/question/how-to-evaluate-a-mining-project-using-discounted-cash-flows/

Fajar, A. N., Zaki, M., Pontan, R. F., & Widiarso, B. P. (2025). Capital budgeting decisions in mining operations: A DCF analysis framework. Mining Economics Journal, 42(1), 88–104.

Farmonaut. (2025). Risk management in mining: Strategic innovations 2015–2025. Mining Industry Reports. https://farmonaut.com/mining/risk-management-in-mining-strategic-innovations-2015-2025

Ferreira, J. J., & Fernandes, C. (2021). Internal capability development and its relationship with firm competitiveness. Strategic Management Review, 15(2), 134–152.

Gitman, L. J., & Zutter, C. J. (2019). Principles of managerial finance (15th ed.). Pearson Education.

How and What. (2023). PESTEL analysis of the mining industry. https://www.howandwhat.net/pestel-analysis-mining-industry/

Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2020). Exploring strategy: Text and cases (12th ed.). Pearson Education.

Koller, T., Goedhart, M., & Wessels, D. (2020). Valuation: Measuring and managing the value of companies (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Mammadova, L., & Agayev, R. (2025). Operational risk assessment in resource extraction: A systematic approach. International Journal of Mining Science, 61(1), 45–63.

Mansour, A., & Hassan, K. (2024). Macro-environmental forces and business sustainability: A PESTEL perspective. Business Strategy and Environment, 33(2), 678–695.

Markovic, R., Stevanovic, D., Kolonja, B., Slavkovic, R., & Krzanovic, D. (2025). Technical complexity and risk exposure in mining operations. Mining Technology, 134(1), 12–28.

Maulana, A., Suherman, B., & Rahman, F. (2024). Cash flow estimation and capital budgeting in mineral processing projects. Journal of Financial Analysis, 39(4), 567–584.

Mordor Intelligence. (2025a). Asia-Pacific silica sand market report: Industry analysis, size & growth insights. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/asia-silica-sand-market

Mordor Intelligence. (2025b). Silica sand market: Global industry analysis and forecast (2025–2032). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/silica-sand-market

Rodríguez-Escobar, J. A., González-Benito, J., & Martínez-Peña, R. (2025). Bibliometric and PESTEL analysis of deep-sea mining: Trends and challenges for sustainable development. Resources, 5(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources5020036

Santos, J. B., Wymer, W., & Marques, C. S. (2021). Enhancing strategic management using a “quantified VRIO”: Adding value with the MCDA approach. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 173, 121104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121104

Tura Consulting Indonesia. (2025). Overview of risks in each stage of mining industry development. Mining Consultancy Reports. https://tura.consulting/insight/overview-of-risks-in-each-stage-of-mining-industry-development/

Downloads

Published

2025-12-26

How to Cite

Fachrezi, M. G. (2025). Feasibility Study for Investment Decision in Silica Sand Mining Through Comparative Analysis of New Machine Purchase, Machine Refurbishment, and Joint Operation. Jurnal Sosial Dan Sains, 5(12), 1002–1015. https://doi.org/10.59188/jurnalsosains.v5i12.32606