Vale Strengthens Downstreaming and Sustainability in Morowali

Responsible growth is realised when every business achievement delivers benefits for communities, the environment and future generations.

Coinciding with its 58th anniversary, PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) reaffirmed this commitment through various initiatives in Morowali, encompassing the strengthening of nickel downstream processing, environmental rehabilitation, improvements in healthcare service quality, and investment in human resource development.

Under the theme ‘Resilient and Responsible: Growing with Integrity, Leading with Responsibility’, the series of activities held on 21–25 July 2026 served as a reflection of PT Vale’s 58-year journey in building a responsible mining industry, whilst also reinforcing the development of the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Morowali as part of the company’s contribution to national downstream processing and sustainable development.

Bernardus Irmanto, President Director & CEO of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, said the 58th anniversary is an important moment for the company to reflect on its long journey in building a mining industry focused not only on business achievement, but also on creating positive impact for communities and the environment.

‘For 58 years, PT Vale has learnt that true success is measured not only by operational performance and business growth, but also by how much benefit we can create for communities, the environment and future generations. That is why we are committed to continuing to grow with integrity, lead with responsibility, and ensure that every achievement goes hand in hand with sustainability and shared prosperity,’ said Bernardus.

He added that these achievements are the result of collaboration among all stakeholders who have supported the company’s journey, particularly in developing IGP Morowali. ‘I extend my highest gratitude and appreciation to all employees and the extended PT Vale family, central and regional governments, communities around our operational areas, business partners, contractors, strategic working partners, community figures, and all stakeholders who have supported PT Vale’s journey and growth to this day,’ he said.

Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth

The 58th anniversary celebrations on 21 July 2026 began with two important milestones reflecting PT Vale’s growth direction in Morowali: the inauguration of the Pevalea Dormitory as an investment in employee wellbeing, and first-semester 2026 nickel ore sales that have surpassed two million tonnes. Both achievements reflect the company’s commitment to balancing business growth with human resource development as a foundation for sustainability.

Amid accelerating project development in Morowali, PT Vale believes operational success can only be achieved through human resources working in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment. The Pevalea Dormitory stands as a symbol of the company’s commitment to improving employees’ quality of life whilst strengthening a productive and sustainable work culture.

At the same time, sales of more than two million tonnes of nickel ore mark an important milestone reflecting the dedication and collaboration of everyone at PT Vale in supporting the company’s responsible growth.

Answering the Future Through Sustainable Downstream Processing

PT Vale’s commitment to creating greater added value for Indonesia was demonstrated again on 22 July 2026 with the arrival of an autoclave, the main equipment for the Sambalagi High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Project.

This milestone is significant in the construction of a low-carbon nickel processing facility that forms part of IGP Morowali as well as a National Strategic Project.

More than just the arrival of an industrial equipment item, the autoclave represents the transformation of Indonesia’s mining industry towards downstream processing that generates higher added value. With HPAL technology, limonite ore — previously of limited economic value — can be processed into Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), the key raw material for the electric vehicle battery industry.

Through this project, developed together with GEM Co., Ltd. and EcoPro, PT Vale is not only strengthening the global electric vehicle supply chain but also contributing to Indonesia’s energy transition and low-carbon economic agenda.

Protecting the Environment, Delivering Benefits for Communities

This sustainability commitment was also realised through environmental reclamation and tree-planting activities along the Bahopenila River in Onepute Jaya village on 24 July 2026. Some 300 saplings were planted along the riverbanks as part of efforts to rehabilitate the river catchment, mitigate erosion and flood risks, and protect the local ecosystem.

Through this activity, PT Vale affirmed that environmental restoration is an inseparable part of responsible mining practice.

On the same day, PT Vale also held a blood donation drive with the Morowali Regency Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the Bahomotefe Community Health Centre to support regional blood stocks and foster solidarity and social care within the company and the wider community. The drive collected 77 bags of blood, subsequently distributed through PMI Morowali to help meet blood needs for communities in Morowali Regency and surrounding areas.

The Best Investment Is People

The series of 58th anniversary events in Morowali concluded on 25 July 2026 with two programmes focused on developing the quality of human resources.

The first was the closing of the Service Excellence Improvement Programme for health workers at the Bahomotefe Community Health Centre, which had run for three months. It aims to strengthen a culture of service excellence so that communities can receive more professional, empathetic and responsive healthcare services.

Meanwhile, around 150 students from SMA Alkhairaat Kolono and SMK Bungku Timur attended a Motivation and Preparation Class for Facing Post-School Challenges, covering personal development, career opportunities, artificial intelligence (AI) and communication skills.

Through these two programmes, PT Vale believes that sustainable development is realised not only through investment in infrastructure and industry, but also through developing people capable of navigating change and building a better future.