Vale Indonesia Expands Nickel Exploration Efforts in Q4 2025

Significant Investment in Exploration Activities

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO), a leading nickel producer, has invested US$1,514,548.88 in nickel exploration during the fourth quarter of 2025. The expenditure was distributed across three months: US$657,892.63 in October, US$508,778.62 in November, and US$347,877.63 in December.

Strategic Exploration Locations

The exploration activities were concentrated in multiple strategic locations within INCO's Izin Usaha Pertambangan Khusus (IUPK) areas. Key regions included:

• Sorowako Block and Sorowako Outer Area in East Luwu, South Sulawesi
• Bahodopi Block in Morowali, Central Sulawesi
• Pomalaa Block in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi

These regions are known for their significant nickel deposits and are critical to Indonesia's position as a major nickel producer.

Implications for Nickel Production

This continued investment in exploration demonstrates INCO's commitment to maintaining and expanding Indonesia's nickel production capacity. As global demand for nickel continues to grow, driven particularly by the electric vehicle (EV) battery market, Indonesia's role as a key supplier becomes increasingly important. The country's nickel resources are essential for meeting the needs of the global EV supply chain, and INCO's exploration efforts are a crucial part of this ecosystem.

Future Outlook

The exploration activities conducted in Q4 2025 will likely contribute to INCO's future production capacity and potentially lead to new discoveries that could further enhance Indonesia's nickel reserves. As the global transition to cleaner energy continues to drive demand for battery metals, Indonesian nickel producers like INCO are well-positioned to benefit from this trend.