Residue Management (Tailings)

While PTVI's core pyrometallurgical operations remain free of conventional tailings generation, expanding downstream hydrometallurgical growth loops introduce chemical sludge risks. Management focus addresses establishing verified byproduct recovery and asset-safety partnerships.

Approach

Core operations in Sorowako utilize pyrometallurgical Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) technology, which does not produce industrial tailings or sludge typical of hydrometallurgical processing. However, hydrometallurgical HPAL joint venture projects support the battery materials chain and generate processing residues.

PT Vale collaborates with JV partners to introduce responsible residue management.

Photo: PT Vale Indonesia

Performance

Reused more than 5 million tons of slag in internal construction. In 2024, 377,964 tons of nickel slag were specifically directed to road-base infrastructure construction. R&D teams advanced a Front-End Loading (FEL) stage project focusing on waste heat recovery from slag granulation.

The Slag Warrior project won a Platinum Award at the TKMPN XXIX conference for utilizing slag as environmentally friendly infrastructure material.

<div>PT Vale sets bold governance and ESG targets, driving ethical leadership, gender equity, and resilient, transparent, sustainable operations:</div>

The Slag Warrior project won a Platinum Award at the TKMPN XXIX conference for utilizing slag as environmentally friendly infrastructure material.

These goals are integrated into the company’s culture, systems, and decision-making processes.

PT Vale Tailings Management Policy and Documents

Governed by the Mining and Metallurgical Waste Policy, which requires identifying byproduct value post-extraction to optimize recovery, minimize waste generation, and support R&D for slag and tailing reuse.