Kolaka, October 8, 2025 — PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale), a member of the MIND ID (Mining Industry Indonesia) group, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable future for Indonesia’s nickel industry through the First Digging Ceremony held at the Pomalaa Block, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

This milestone event marks the commencement of mining activities at the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa, in collaboration with strategic partner PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA), signaling readiness for operational phase in 2026.

The historic moment was attended by the Regent of Kolaka, local government and security officials, as well as senior management from PT Vale and PAMA. Their presence underscores the strong synergy between regional government, industry, and local communities in driving inclusive, competitive, and sustainable regional development.

In his remarks, PT Vale Indonesia President Director Bernardus Irmanto emphasized that the ceremony represents more than a symbolic gesture—it is a tangible manifestation of the company’s commitment and responsibility to ensure the successful execution of the IGP Pomalaa national strategic project.

“There’s a phrase I often hear, not only here but also in Morowali: ‘We are merely the caretakers of PT Vale’s garden.’ Today, that ‘garden’ is beginning to take shape—not just as a garden, but as an active mining site. We hope that soon, its counterpart—the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) plant being developed jointly by PT Vale and Huayou—will also come to life,” said Bernardus.

He further highlighted the unique nature of the Pomalaa project, which symbolizes a collaboration among three major nations united in their commitment to sustainable nickel resource management.

“Pomalaa is special. If the world has the United Nations, then Pomalaa is what I call the ‘United of Nickels’—a partnership between Indonesia’s PT Vale Indonesia, China’s Huayou, and the United States’ Ford Motor Company. These three companies are working together to manage nickel resources sustainably, from Pomalaa to the world,” he added.

Bernardus also emphasized that PT Vale’s operations are grounded in the core values of CARES: Compassion, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, and Sustainability. Every aspect of construction and operations will prioritize safety and environmental protection.

The collaboration with partners such as PAMA, Huayou, and Ford Motor Company reflects a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to PAMA for partnering with us. This project is not only about resource management, but also about ensuring its sustainability—bringing the best of Pomalaa’s nickel to the world. Most importantly, safety remains our top priority,” Bernardus concluded.

He also noted that Huayou has committed to completing the HPAL plant construction, which is targeted to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, PT Pamapersada Nusantara’s Director of Operations and HSE, Roberto Dwi Handoko, expressed his company’s strong alignment with PT Vale’s sustainability standards.

“We are proud to partner with PT Vale and are fully committed to delivering clean, safe, and responsible mining. We are ready to collaborate in creating added value for local communities and supporting Indonesia’s national nickel downstreaming agenda,” he said.

Through the First Digging Ceremony, PT Vale reaffirms that the IGP Pomalaa project will generate positive economic impacts for local communities—ranging from job creation and capacity building for regional contractors and MSMEs, to community empowerment programs focused on education, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.

Driven by a spirit of collaboration, responsibility, and sustainability, PT Vale Indonesia—together with its partners and the support of local government—is determined to make the Pomalaa Block a model for the transformation of Indonesia’s nickel industry toward a greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive future.