Transforming Nickel Workers Through Digital Technology and Motivation

Abstract

Indonesia’s nickel industry has been placed in an increasingly strategic position in the global critical-mineral supply chain. This condition is not only related to production capacity and downstream policy. It is also linked with the readiness of workers who are required to follow digital work systems and changing industrial demands. The use of digital technology in mining and nickel-processing activities has created a new work pattern where operational accuracy, data-based coordination, safety awareness, and learning ability are becoming more important. At the same time, work motivation is still needed because technology will not give strong results when workers are not willing to learn and adapt. This study was designed to examine the effect of digital technology utilization and work motivation on employee competitive advantage among nickel workers in Indonesia. The Ability–Motivation–Opportunity framework was used as the theoretical basis because employee advantage is viewed as the result of ability, motivation, and opportunity in the workplace. A quantitative explanatory approach was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to workers in nickel mining and processing operations. The respondents included operational workers, maintenance staff, technicians, and supervisors. The data were planned to be analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The study is expected to provide an empirical explanation of how digital technology and motivation support employee competitive advantage in a strategic mineral industry. The findings are expected to contribute to human capital development, especially in strengthening digital readiness, adaptive work behavior, and workforce competitiveness in the nickel sector.