Vale Targets 2029 Start for Nickel Mining at Tanamalia Block in South Sulawesi
The Tanamalia project development is based on ecological studies, disaster studies and others to map risks.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, Budiawansyah, is targeting nickel mining at the Tanamalia Block, East Luwu, South Sulawesi, to commence operations at the earliest in 2029.
“After that, 2029–2031 is Tanamalia,” said Budi when met in Jakarta on Thursday.
The Tanamalia project is currently in the Front End Loading (FEL) 2 study process. FEL is a project management guide of PT Vale. Budi said the FEL 2 stage is carried out to detail the reserve resources in Tanamalia.
The method will later explain how the project is developed and planned, covering technical, economic, environmental and business aspects related to the company.
“So that there is truly a detailed picture later when we carry out the detailed design,” said Budi.
Regarding the location of the Tanamalia project, which is in a Protected Forest and Limited Production Forest area covering 13,556.8 hectares in Towuti District, East Luwu, South Sulawesi, Budi stated that Vale is present to listen to the aspirations of the community.
The development of the Tanamalia project, he said, is based on ecological studies, disaster studies and others to map risks.
“So, the way we develop a project involves processes and stages that cannot simply involve bringing in equipment, digging and hauling. It must be clear,” said Budi.
Quoted from the official website of Vale Indonesia, the Tanamalia Project is a development project of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk based on a Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK) and PPKH No. 885 of 2025 for exploration activities in forest areas.
The project optimises the value of Indonesia’s mineral resources while supporting national development and the development of laterite nickel.
Going forward, the project is planned to enter detailed exploration (2025–2026), construction (2027–2028), and mining at the earliest in 2030, depending on the feasibility of nickel reserves.