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    Employee piloting machinery. Employee piloting machinery.
    An employee wearing a helmet and reflective vest smiles sympathetically for the photo.
    Photo: Vale / Image Bank
    Two uniformed employees wearing protective gear smile as they chat on the premises.
    Photo: Vale / Image Bank

    55 Years of PT Vale, Transforming Low Carbon Nickel from Indonesia to the World

    PT Vale Indonesia Tbk is turning 55, solidifying its position as Indonesia's lowest carbon nickel mining company*.

    We have existed in Indonesia since we started exploration in the 1920s, and formed an entity formerly known as PT International Nickel Indonesia (INCO) in July 1968.

    At the official establishment of PT INCO, the history of agreements with the Indonesian government began with the signing of a Contract of Work (CoW). The CoW is a license and a mandate from the Indonesian government for companies to explore, mine and process nickel ore.

    Since the signing of the CoW during the PT INCO era, we have been committed to increasing added value for Indonesia's mineral resources by operating an integrated nickel mine.

    Even years before the Indonesian government ordered the downstreaming of minerals, we had been operating a processing plant in Sorowako since 1977. The inauguration of our processing plant was attended by the then-president, President Soeharto.

    Along the journey, PT INCO developed into a leading nickel mining company. Then in 2011, a change in the composition of shareholders led us to change the name of our entity to PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.

    For more than half a century of running a business that adheres to ESG commitments, we welcome this age by fully appreciating all parties and all the talents who have walked together with us.

    Celebrating the 55 Years of PT Vale Indonesia, we take the theme "Spirits in harmony: everyone matters, everyone is valuable ''.

    We believe all contributions are valuable, whatever they are. Where PT Vale Indonesia is today is the result of your dedication.

    Group of six men form exploration team.

    Beni Wahju (far right) stands on the brink of Larona River with Inco Ltd exploration team in 1966. The laterite ores expedition, conducted by Beni Wahju, Hitler Singawinata and the exploration team, was touted as the pioneer step of PT Vale (formerly Inco). The expedition also ensured that 15% of the world's nickel reserves lies in Indonesia.

    Milestone

    Sawerigading Wallacea Biodiversity Park
    2023
    Definitive agreement by Ford
    2023

    2023

    Groundbreaking for an integrated low-carbon nickel mining and processing project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. The project, included in the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Morowali agenda, is a collaboration between PT Vale, Xinhai and TISCO. The processing plant is based on a Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF), supported by electricity from natural gas. PT Vale and its partners have allocated an investment of Rp37.5 trillion for a production capacity of 73 thousand tons annually.


    Definitive agreement by Ford to join the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa project with PT Vale and Huayou. This agreement was witnessed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and ministers of the ‘Indonesia Maju’ cabinet.


    Inauguration of PT Vale's Sawerigading Wallacea Biodiversity Park (Taman Kehati) by President Joko Widodo. Taman Kehati is the company's effort to operate integrated facilities to achieve integrated mining that fosters biodiversity.

    Definitive agreement by Ford to join the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa project with PT Vale and Huayou. This agreement was witnessed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and ministers of the ‘Indonesia Maju’ cabinet.

    2022

    Groundbreaking of the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa, in collaboration with PT Vale and Huayou, to develop a nickel processing facility with an investment of US$4.5 billion. This project will commence a smelter with HPAL (High-Pressure Acid Leach) technology to produce 120,000 tons of nickel and around 15,000 tons of cobalt in MHP products.

    Cooperation agreement between PT Vale and Huayou for the development of the HPAL smelter to process limonite ore in Sorowako. The project investment value is US$1.8 billion.

    2021

    Establishment of New Culture as a grand design of cultural transformation: “Learning Together”.

    2020

    PT Vale (once again to fulfill its Contract of Work obligations) added a 20% divestment portion to the Indonesian side. Foreign shareholders of PT Vale (Vale Canada Limited and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.) completed the sale of an additional 20% (pro rata) stake in PT Vale to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium Persero (MIND ID).

    2019

    The Preliminary Agreement for the second phase divestment of 20% shares of the Company with Inalum.

    2018

    Achieved a record of 17.4 million work hours free from accidents/zero LTI, during the period of 5 April 2017 - 5 April 2018.

    2017

    The Company activated the Continuous Improvement Project to realize production target of 90,000 metric tons per year.
    Compiled and published the Sustainable Biodiversity Management Guide document (2017) in Collaboration with the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD).

    2016

    Launched the independently managed Vale Whistleblower Channel (VWC), for reporting all types of violations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct.

    2015

    PT Vale records the highest ever production of 81,117 tonnes of nickel in matte per annum.
    PT Vale introduced Healthy Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Agriculture Program (HEFSAP) including Cultivating an Organic System of Rice Intensification (SRI), cultivating traditional herbal plants and traditional sanitizers training.

    2014

    On October 17, 2014, a CoW amendment was carried out as a result of a renegotiation between the Company and the Government of Indonesia. The Company and the Government of Indonesia sign an amendment to the CoW as mandated by Law No. 4 of 2009 Concerning Mineral and Coal Mining.

    2013

    PT Vale implements the first phase of the Coal Conversion Project, replacing HSFO with pulverized coal to be inserted in the dryer. Besides being more cost-efficient, coal is also a locally sourced resource that further enhances the contribution of PT Vale to the Indonesian economy.

    2012

    The Company officially change its name to PT Vale Indonesia Tbk and declared to employees.

    2011

    PLTA Karebbe (90 MW) started its operation, adding up the total installed production capacity of electricity to 365 megawatts.
    GMS held on September 27, 2011 approved the change of Company name from PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk to PT Vale Indonesia Tbk

    2007

    Construction of Karebbe, PT Vale’s third hydropower plant.

    Esp (electrostatic precipitator) facilities are used to control articulate emissions in processing plants.

    2006

    Operational debut of the modern nursery located in the Sorowako Block. This nursery is capable of producing 700,000 seedlings of plants per years (including the endemic and native ones) to support the post-mining land rehabilitation program.

    2005

    The Bag House System is successfully installed in Electric Furnace #3 to reduce dust emission from the electric furnaces.

    1999

    PLTA Balambano started its operation (110 MW)

    1996

    The CoW is modified to encompass another 30-year period, to 2025.

    1995

    Construction of Balambano, PT Vale’s second hydropower plant

    1990

    First corporate divestment. By order from the Government of Indonesia at that time based on the Decree of the Directorate of Mining No.1657/251/DJP/1989 dated August 23, 1989, in order to fulfill its divestment obligations to the Indonesian side, INCO was required to release 20% of the shares to the Jakarta Stock Exchange. 

    1979

    PLTA Larona started its operation (165 MW)

    1978

    PT Inco initiates starts commercial production.

    1977

    Inauguration of mining facilities and nickel processing plant by President Soeharto.

    1973

    Construction of a single pyrometallurgical processing line in Sorowako.

    1970

    The first bulk sample of Sulawesi’s ore totaling 50 tons is delivered to Inco’s research facilities in Port Colborne, Ontario. A new reduction smelting plant demonstrates that the Sorowako material can be successfully processed.

    1968

    Establishment of PT Inco and the signing of a CoW between PT Inco and the Government of Indonesia for a thirty-year concession starting from the commencement of commercial production.
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    A man in glasses and a suit signs an agreement while a man and a woman in a flowered blouse check other documents.

    1968

    Establishment of PT Inco and the signing of a CoW between PT Inco and the Government of Indonesia for a thirty-year concession starting from the commencement of commercial production.
    Scientist holds syringe in left hand while another watches him.

    1970

    The first bulk sample of Sulawesi’s ore totaling 50 tons is delivered to Inco’s research facilities in Port Colborne, Ontario. A new reduction smelting plant demonstrates that the Sorowako material can be successfully processed.
    Large iron construction.

    1973

    Construction of a single pyrometallurgical processing line in Sorowako.
    Men and women wearing protective helmets at the inauguration of Vale's site in Indonesia.

    1977

    Inauguration of mining facilities and nickel processing plant by President Soeharto.
    Big ship with hanging loads.

    1978

    PT Inco initiates starts commercial production.
    Party balloons and people celebrate the inauguration of Vale's site.

    1979

    PLTA Larona started its operation (165 MW)
    Group of people. Icon.

    1990

    First corporate divestment by releasing 20% of the shares to the public, which are listed on the Indonesian stock exchange.
    Employees walk and work at Vale's site.

    1995

    Construction of Balambano, PT Vale’s second hydropower plant
    Hands shaking. Icon.

    1996

    The CoW is modified to encompass another 30-year period, to 2025.
    River with surrounding plantations shelters Vale's construction.

    1999

    PLTA Balambano started its operation (110 MW)
    Protective helmet. Icon.

    2005

    The Bag House System is successfully installed in Electric Furnace #3 to reduce dust emission from the electric furnaces.
    Operation employee wears helmet, vest, uniform, and carries plant seedlings.

    2006

    Operational debut of the modern nursery located in the Sorowako Block. This nursery is capable of producing 700,000 seedlings of plants per years (including the endemic and native ones) to support the post-mining land rehabilitation program.
    River with surrounding plantations shelters Vale's construction.

    2007

    Construction of Karebbe, PT Vale’s third hydropower plant.
    Esp (electrostatic precipitator) facilities are used to control articulate emissions in processing plants.
    River with surrounding plantations shelters Vale's construction.

    2011

    PLTA Karebbe (90 MW) started its operation, adding up the total installed production capacity of electricity to 365 megawatts.
    GMS held on September 27, 2011 approved the change of Company name from PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk to PT Vale Indonesia Tbk
    Six employees wear Vale polo shirts and put their hands out in front of them in a team greeting gesture.

    2012

    The Company officially change its name to PT Vale Indonesia Tbk and declared to employees.
    Iron construction with light poles on top.

    2013

    PT Vale implements the first phase of the Coal Conversion Project, replacing HSFO with pulverized coal to be inserted in the dryer. Besides being more cost-efficient, coal is also a locally sourced resource that further enhances the contribution of PT Vale to the Indonesian economy.
    Five people from different ethnic groups sign agreement.

    2014

    On October 17, 2014, a CoW amendment was carried out as a result of a renegotiation between the Company and the Government of Indonesia. The Company and the Government of Indonesia sign an amendment to the CoW as mandated by Law No. 4 of 2009 Concerning Mineral and Coal Mining.
    Field employees wear triangular hats while working.

    2015

    PT Vale records the highest ever production of 81,117 tonnes of nickel in matte per annum.
    PT Vale introduced Healthy Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Agriculture Program (HEFSAP) including Cultivating an Organic System of Rice Intensification (SRI), cultivating traditional herbal plants and traditional sanitizers training.
    Protective helmet. Icon.

    2016

    Launched the independently managed Vale Whistleblower Channel (VWC), for reporting all types of violations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
    Protective helmet. Icon.

    2017

    The Company activated the Continuous Improvement Project to realize production target of 90,000 metric tons per year.
    Compiled and published the Sustainable Biodiversity Management Guide document (2017) in Collaboration with the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD).
    Employees hold celebration banner in front of them while posing for a photo.

    2018

    Achieved a record of 17.4 million work hours free from accidents/zero LTI, during the period of 5 April 2017 - 5 April 2018.
    Protective helmet. Icon.

    2019

    The Preliminary Agreement for the second phase divestment of 20% shares of the Company with Inalum.
    Circle and check symbol inside. Icon.

    2020

    Completion of the second phase divestment of 20% of the Company’s shares with Inalum.
    Iron gear. Icon.

    2021

    Establishment of New Culture as a grand design of cultural transformation: “Learning Together”.
    Operation employee wears helmet, vest, uniform, and carries plant seedlings.

    2022

    Groundbreaking of the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa, in collaboration with PT Vale and Huayou, to develop a nickel processing facility with an investment of US$4.5 billion. This project will commence a smelter with HPAL (High-Pressure Acid Leach) technology to produce 120,000 tons of nickel and around 15,000 tons of cobalt in MHP products.

    Cooperation agreement between PT Vale and Huayou for the development of the HPAL smelter to process limonite ore in Sorowako. The project investment value is US$1.8 billion.

    Iron gear. Icon.

    2023

    Groundbreaking for an integrated low-carbon nickel mining and processing project in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. The project, included in the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Morowali agenda, is a collaboration between PT Vale, Xinhai and TISCO. The processing plant is based on a Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF), supported by electricity from natural gas. PT Vale and its partners have allocated an investment of Rp37.5 trillion for a production capacity of 73 thousand tons annually.

    Inauguration of PT Vale's Sawerigading Wallacea Biodiversity Park (Taman Kehati) by President Joko Widodo. Taman Kehati is the company's effort to operate integrated facilities to achieve integrated mining that fosters biodiversity.

    Definitive agreement by Ford to join the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa project with PT Vale and Huayou. This agreement was witnessed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and ministers of the ‘Indonesia Maju’ cabinet.

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