Latest News

Vale divestment in Indonesian nickel system expected to finish in July

Indonesia's mining minister on Wednesday said divestment of Vale Canada Ltd and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd's shares in their nickel miner system Vale Indonesia is anticipated to conclude in July.

The transaction is required by the federal government to extend Vale Indonesia's operating license beyond 2025.

Vale Canada and Sumitomo accepted divest a 14% stake in nickel unit to Indonesia's mining market holding business, MIND ID, taking MIND ID's ownership to 34% from 20%.

While the deal is being processed, Minister Arifin Tasrif told a parliament hearing that the government is finalising the approval of Vale Indonesia's new authorization which will stand until 2035 and can be extended by ten years.

The assessment procedure of Vale Indonesia's agreement extension to be a special mining permit is performed in regard to administration, technical, environment, financial and corporate perfomance, Arifin said.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has prepared the new authorization and submitted the documents to the Investment Ministry for approval, he added.

Vale Indonesia's spokesperson on Monday stated the business hoped the brand-new authorizations could be issued quickly as it would be vital for it to move on with its financial investment plans.

Vale, with its partners, is investing over $9 billion in nickel mines and nickel processing plants, consisting of two plants to produce materials utilized in batteries for electrical cars.

(source: Reuters)