Indonesia, with its abundant mineral wealth, stands at the forefront of addressing global environmental challenges.
The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024, held in Jakarta on September 5-6, 2024, highlighted Indonesia’s critical role in advancing the green economy.
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, showcasing the positive outcomes of its efforts.
PT Vale's participation in ISF 2024 underscored tangible achievements from the company's commitment to sustainability. Recent initiatives include signing a joint venture agreement with Ford and forming strategic collaborations with leading European automotive manufacturers.
These partnerships not only reflect market confidence in PT Vale's commitment but also open significant business opportunities, solidifying PT Vale's position as an industry leader.
Bernardus Irmanto, Director and Chief of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at PT Vale, emphasized that the company’s dedication to sustainability has strengthened its business relationships and unlocked new opportunities previously unimaginable.
"Sustainability is key to unlocking new opportunities in the global market," Bernardus stated.
In a panel discussion titled 'Uncovering Energy Storage Solutions: The Critical Role of Critical Minerals', he emphasized that ESG is at the core of the company's strategy
"For us, ESG is more than just a slogan. It is an integral part of our culture and operations, driving us to continuously innovate and enhance our practices," he said.
Bernardus further highlighted PT Vale's commitment to making ESG principles a fundamental aspect of every operation.
"Sustainability is not just a challenge, but also an opportunity. We view every step in sustainability as a chance to innovate and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the global market.
With this approach, PT Vale strives to minimize environmental impact while pursuing long-term profitability through responsible practices," he added.
He underscored the importance of critical minerals in supporting Indonesia’s renewable energy transition.
"Indonesia’s critical mineral resources are valuable assets, but their management must align with the energy transition," he noted.
He further emphasized the need for collaboration with various partners, including the technology and financial sectors, as well as the involvement of local communities and the government.
Bernardus explained that sustainability principles must be applied comprehensively.
"For instance, in one of our nickel development projects, our automotive manufacturing partner requested PT Vale to conduct an assessment for IRMA certification six months after the mining operations began," Bernardus explained.
He also acknowledged that mining operations often require land clearing, which can alter landscapes and affect biodiversity.
Therefore, it is crucial to mitigate the impact through progressive land rehabilitation, biodiversity protection programs, and comprehensive mine water management.
He noted that uncertainty in meeting these criteria could pose challenges in critical mineral development.
"Sustainability can be a limiting factor, but on the other hand, it presents a huge opportunity. That’s why ESG practices are not just jargon; they are an essential part of Vale’s culture," he emphasized.
Indonesia's Green Energy Dream
President Joko Widodo, in his opening remarks at ISF 2024, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in tackling climate change.
"Addressing climate change requires a collaborative approach between developed and developing nations.
Indonesia is committed to working together to find inclusive and sustainable solutions," President Jokowi said.
"The green economy is not just about environmental protection; it’s about creating sustainable prosperity for the people."
The Indonesian government's vision in supporting sustainability aligns with PT Vale’s commitment.
The company fully supports mineral downstreaming with sustainability principles, aiming to improve the quality of life for the people of Indonesia, including those living around PT Vale’s operational areas.
