PT Vale Strengthens Collaboration on Rp30 Trillion IGP Morowali Investment
MOROWALI – PT Vale Indonesia Tbk has strengthened its synergy with the Morowali Regency Government and the Coordination Forum of Regional Leaders (Forkopimda) through a joint breaking of the fast programme held at Port Facilities Bahomotefe, East Bungku District, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The event was attended by Morowali Regent Iksan Baharudin Abd Rauf, Morowali Regional House of Representatives Chair Herdiyanto Marzuki, Morowali Military Commander (Dandim) Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Sada Panjaitan, Morowali Police Deputy Chief Brigadier I Nyoman Arka Wiyasa, and the management of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, including President Director and Chief Executive Officer Bernardus Irmanto, Chief Project Officer Muhammad Asril, and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Budiawansyah.
The meeting served as both a relationship-building occasion and a dialogue platform to strengthen cooperation between the company, regional government, and stakeholders in support of investment stability and sustainable regional development.
President Director and Chief Executive Officer Bernardus Irmanto stated that the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Morowali is a strategic investment valued at approximately 2 billion US dollars, aimed at strengthening the nation’s mineral downstream ecosystem whilst creating economic added value for Indonesia.
The project encompasses mining development and construction of a High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) processing facility, targeted to commence phased operations during 2026 to 2027.
“The excellent progress of this project would not be possible without the support of all parties, particularly the Morowali Regency Government and the Forkopimda teams. We hope that this strategic partnership can continue to grow and further strengthen the contribution of the downstream processing sector to regional development,” said Bernardus.
He added that all project development stages are being implemented with emphasis on workplace safety principles, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices.
The mining infrastructure development for IGP Morowali has currently reached approximately 99 per cent construction progress, whilst the HPAL processing facility development has reached approximately 27 per cent and continues according to construction schedules.
Throughout this year, the IGP Morowali project has recorded nickel ore sales of approximately 2.2 million tonnes, a significant achievement in sustaining the company’s cash flow whilst contributing to regional and national revenues.
Beyond project development, PT Vale is reinforcing its environmental management commitment through the construction of a plant nursery facility with production capacity of up to 700,000 seedlings annually, which will support reclamation and revegetation programmes in the company’s operational areas.
Additionally, the company is implementing various community development and empowerment programmes encompassing eight development pillars in accordance with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, including education, healthcare, community income improvement, local economic development, socio-cultural affairs, environmental protection, institutional development, and infrastructure construction.
These programmes include enhanced public healthcare services, educational support, vocational training for local workers, and productive community-based economic development.
“All of these initiatives are designed so that the company’s business growth runs in line with improvements in the quality of life of surrounding communities whilst supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals,” said Bernardus.
Meanwhile, Morowali Regent Iksan Baharudin Abd Rauf expressed appreciation for PT Vale’s commitment to building constructive communication with the regional government and community.
He noted that PT Vale has demonstrated seriousness in maintaining good working relationships and resolving various issues that emerge in a professional manner.
“During my year in office, we have faced only one major conflict with PT Vale, and I am grateful that this matter was resolved without leaving lingering problems. This demonstrates strong collaboration amongst the company, government, community, and security personnel,” he stated.
Iksan also assessed PT Vale’s decision to build a smelter in Sambalagi and manage mining operations in East Bungku as a strategic step that provides benefits for regional development, with the investment already delivering direct benefits to Morowali Regency.
Through strengthened synergy amongst the company, regional government, and stakeholders, PT Vale hopes that various investment and development agendas can proceed in alignment with community needs whilst remaining committed to sustainability principles.