Vale Indonesia Cooperates With Huayou China To Process Nickel Ore In The Pomalaa Block, Southeast Sulawesi

JAKARTA - PT Vale Indonesia Tbk has signed a non-binding memorandum of cooperation with Huayou China and world car manufacturer Ford Motor to process nickel ore in the Pomalaa Block, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.

Vale CEO and President Director Febriany Eddy said the cooperation refers to the agreement framework for the development of the High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) processing facility in the Pomalaa Block that was agreed between Vale and Huayou in April 2022.

"The total production capacity reaches 120.000 metric tons of nickel content per year in the form of mixed hydroxide precipitate," he said in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Friday, July 22.

According to him, Ford's participation in the partnership further emphasizes that Indonesia's presence in the world electric car industry is very important, supported by community support and natural resources.

Vale's Executive Vice President of Base Metals as President Commissioner of Vale Deshnee Naidoo said the company has a track record of operating for decades in Indonesia in producing nickel safely and sustainably.

"We look forward to working with other partners who are in line and always prioritize the sustainability aspect in a new generation of development projects designed to have minimal impact on the environment and benefit local and national socio-economics in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, Ford considers that the three-party cooperation is a creative way to ensure that the nickel needs of Ford and millions of Ford electric vehicle customers can be met.

"This is also in line with what Ford wants to achieve in every process, which is to remain committed to environmental, social, and governance now and in the future," said Lisa Drake, vice president of Ford Model EV Industrialization.

Meanwhile, Huayou Executive Vice Chairman George Fang said that as one of the global Li-ion battery material producers, he has made consistent efforts in running the entire industry from nickel and cobalt to become cathode battery materials with very low carbon emissions.

"The partnership with Ford and Vale will not only ensure a stable and sustainable supply for customers, but will also have a positive impact on the development of the electric vehicle industry and the Indonesian economy," said George.

Completion of the construction of the HPAL facility and starting operations is targeted for 2025.