Vale Indonesia Resumes Mining Operations After 2026 RKAB Is Officially Issued
Thu 15 Jan 2026, 04:29 AM
Share
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk has officially received approval for its 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) on Thursday (15/1/2026). With the approval of the RKAB, Vale's mining operational activities have resumed.
President Director and CEO of Vale Indonesia, Bernadus Irmanto, stated that with the acquisition of this RKAB, Vale is focused on restoring all operational and construction activities in Sorowako, Pomalaa, and Bahodopi. These activities will be based on safety aspects in accordance with applicable licensing regulations, ensuring they run optimally to make up for the backlog caused by the previous temporary suspension.
The approval of the 2026 RKAB is an implementation of the Government's policy to reintroduce the annual RKAB approval mechanism, replacing the previous scheme which was based on a three-year integrated cycle with other basic permits.
Vale welcomes this certainty as an important foundation for maintaining production discipline, good governance, and the sustainability of the national nickel industry. "With the complete licensing foundation, all our activities are now running normally again, in a compliant and sustainable manner," said Bernadus Irmanto in a written statement on Thursday (15/1/2026).
Bernadus mentioned that the company will proceed with operational and production plans in accordance with the approval granted, while ensuring the continuity of supply for the national processing and refining industry.
Previously, the Director General of Minerals and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) of the Ministry of ESDM, Tri Winarno, stated that his office had given the green light for the 2026 RKAB approval for Vale Indonesia.
“It should happen later tonight. Approval is expected,” said Tri Winarno on Wednesday (14/1/2026).
Furthermore, Tri revealed that Vale's mining activities were currently suspended as the company awaited RKAB approval. However, the needs of the smelters could still be supported by the existing stock availability.
Advertisement
