KELASTAMBANG: PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, a subsidiary of Mind ID, secured two national awards at the 2025 ESG Business Awards in Kuala Lumpur on September 25 for its leadership in biodiversity conservation and waste management, recognizing the company’s long-term commitment to ecological rehabilitation and sustainable community practices in Sulawesi.
According to the award committee, PT Vale received the Biodiversity Conservation Award – Indonesia and the Waste Management Award – Indonesia for its integrated efforts to restore rare ultramafic ecosystems and convert household waste into renewable resources, aligning with global ESG imperatives.
Since 2003, PT Vale has prioritized ecological restoration in its post-mining areas, focusing on the unique ultramafic environment of Sulawesi—characterized by nutrient-poor soils rich in heavy metals, including nickel.
As of July 2024, the company has rehabilitated 3,817 hectares of mined land, cultivated over 2 million native and protected plants, and introduced 67 local species. Its biodiversity index has reached a level of 2.06–2.39, comparable to that of natural forests.
The restoration has led to the return of native fauna such as the Sulawesi hornbill, Moor macaque, and various butterfly species. PT Vale has also implemented rootballed propagation, a reforestation technique that accelerates forest recovery by six to ten years. Two arboretums—Sawerigading Wallacea Biodiversity Park and the Himalaya Arboretum—now serve as living laboratories for conservation research and education.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, PT Vale has launched the EMBERS program (Enhanced Management of Bio-waste for Environmentally Resilient Solutions) in Sorowako to address household organic waste. The program promotes waste segregation at the source and processes up to 100 kilograms of organic waste per day using biodigesters.
In one year, EMBERS has diverted 26.79 tons of organic waste from landfill, reducing methane emissions, and producing 23,760 liters of liquid fertilizer for local farmers. It has also reduced household LPG consumption by 876 kilograms annually by utilizing methane gas for cooking.
“These awards are more than recognition—they are a call to action,” said Budiawansyah, Chief of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at PT Vale Indonesia, during the awards ceremony.
“The world needs critical minerals for clean energy, but we also have a duty to restore the ecosystems that sustain life. At PT Vale, we are proving that mining can coexist with conservation: restoring rare ultramafic forests, reducing waste at the source, and empowering communities through science-based and collaborative solutions. We dedicate this recognition to all our partners—government, academia, and local communities—who walk this path with us. Sustainability is not a choice; it is the only way forward.”
PT Vale’s achievement underscores the possibility of balancing critical mineral supply with ecological stewardship. By integrating ESG practices into core operations, the company contributes to Indonesia’s Ashta Cita vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating that responsible mining can be part of the global solution to environmental and social challenges.