PT Vale Unveils Pomalaa Environmental Data, Affirming Its Long-Term Sustainability Commitment
Thu 29 Jan 2026, 06:23 AM
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PT Vale Indonesia has responded to findings raised by civil society groups regarding the Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi.
Through Director and Chief of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Budiawansyah, the company emphasized that every stage of the project—including land clearing and mine water management—is carried out under good, sustainable mining practices, grounded in scientific studies and strict environmental oversight.
Budiawansyah stressed that before mining activities begin in 2026, PT Vale had first prepared a comprehensive hydrological assessment to ensure that mine runoff meets environmental quality standards.
The assessment covers watershed mapping, flow direction, and calculations of potential erosion and sedimentation, which are then translated into the design of sediment control facilities.
“We conduct routine monitoring of water quality before any discharge to natural water bodies. This is not merely an administrative obligation, but a concrete part of our commitment to environmental management,” said Budiawansyah.
Addressing issues around land clearing, Budiawansyah clarified the circulating figures. He said that to date, total land opened within the Pomalaa special mining license area amounts to only 4.3% of the permitted area, with openings in protected forest accounting for just 0.4%.
“For the 2024–2025 period, newly cleared land totaled 487.9 hectares, not 854.29 hectares as stated in the letter of findings,” he asserted.
Regarding concerns over the health conditions of residents in Hakatutobu Village, Budiawansyah underscored the need to view the regional context as a whole. Based on the company’s review, the village lies within a different river basin from the pathways of PT Vale’s mine runoff.
“The safety of communities and the environment is our top priority. That’s why we address every issue with data and measured mapping,” he said.
As a reference point, Budiawansyah pointed to PT Vale’s mining practices in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, which helped the company earn a 2024 PROPER Gold rating and a number of international ESG recognitions.
“We believe transparency is key to building better mining operations. We are open to criticism and constructive input from the public and NGOs,” he concluded.
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