ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA – A new chapter in the global nickel industry has begun in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
Kolaka Regent Amry attended the First Digging Ceremony of PT Pama Persada – PT Vale IGP Pomalaa on Tuesday, October 8, 2025.
The historic event marked the start of mining operations by PT Vale Indonesia Tbk at the Pomalaa Block — a National Strategic Project symbolizing the collaboration of three nations: Indonesia, China, and the United States.
The Pomalaa project carries an investment package worth Rp 67.5 trillion (approximately US$4.29 billion), covering the construction of a High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) processing plant and large-scale nickel mining operations.
The ceremony was also attended by Bernardus Irmanto, President Director & CEO of PT Vale Indonesia; Maj. Gen. (Ret.) F.S. Multhazar; Muhammad Asril, Director & Chief Project Officer of PT Vale Indonesia; and executives from PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA), Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd, and Kolaka Nickel Industry (KNI).
The event was highlighted by the signing of the “Kolaka Sehat, Bersih, dan Berdaya” (Healthy, Clean, and Empowered Kolaka) Program MoU, and the Bridge Program between PT Vale and Huayou Cobalt, in collaboration with the Kolaka local government.
In his address, Regent Amry emphasized that the launch of the Vale IGP Pomalaa project is concrete proof that major investments in Kolaka are moving from planning to reality.
“As the local government, we hold high hopes that this project will bring positive and significant impacts to the people of Kolaka, especially in surrounding communities,” Amry stated.
He underlined the importance of hiring local workers and empowering local SMEs and entrepreneurs to become part of the nickel industry’s supply chain.
Amry also highlighted Kolaka’s latest economic data: according to BPS, the local statistics bureau, 6,154 job seekers and 3,904 unemployed residents were recorded, with regional inflation reaching 4.34% as of September 2025.
“These numbers serve as an alarm for all of us — we must strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector,” he urged.
The regent also called for all mining companies to uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in a genuine and sustainable way.
“CSR is not a formality. It must become part of our shared mission to create a healthy, clean, and empowered Kolaka,” he concluded.
“United of Nickels”: A Global Collaboration for Sustainable Nickel
Bernardus Irmanto, President Director of PT Vale Indonesia, described the Pomalaa project as a rare and groundbreaking example of global collaboration.
“In Pomalaa, I call it ‘United of Nickels’ — a partnership of three major companies from three nations: Vale Indonesia from Indonesia, Huayou from China, and Ford Motor Company from the United States. Together, we are developing nickel resources sustainably — from Pomalaa, for the world,” Bernardus declared.
He stressed that the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa will play a crucial role in advancing Indonesia’s nickel downstream industry. The construction and operations will adhere to Vale’s CARES values (Compassion, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, Sustainability), prioritizing safety and environmental protection above all.
Bernardus also confirmed that Huayou Cobalt has committed to completing the construction of the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) plant by the fourth quarter of 2026 — a key facility in producing high-grade nickel for global electric vehicle supply chains.
Pamapersada Commits to Green Mining and Nickel Downstreaming
Roberto Dwi Handoko, Operations and HSE Director of PT Pamapersada Nusantara, reaffirmed the company’s alignment with Vale’s sustainability standards.
“We are fully committed to developing clean, safe, and responsible mining operations. PAMA is ready to collaborate in delivering added value to local communities and supporting Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming agenda,” Roberto said.
PT Vale Indonesia ensures that the IGP Pomalaa project will create thousands of new jobs, strengthen local SME capacity, and empower communities through initiatives focused on education, environmental management, and local economic resilience. (AT Network)
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