PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s green energy transition. In collaboration with Pertamina Patra Niaga, PT Vale has become the first mining company to adopt Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), also known as Pertamina Renewable Diesel, in its heavy equipment operations. This innovative move aligns with the national Net Zero Emission 2060 target and a 33% carbon emission reduction goal by 2030.

The use of HVO has been implemented in two heavy-duty trucks, a Komatsu and a Caterpillar, each with a 100-ton capacity. These trucks underwent a month-long trial from October 15 to November 14, 2024. The results of the trial demonstrated a significant improvement in operational efficiency, along with a remarkable 70% reduction in carbon emissions. Moreover, the use of HVO also led to an 80% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel.

Abu Ashar, Director and Chief Operation and Infrastructure Officer of PT Vale, emphasized that this initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy for decarbonization and reducing its carbon footprint. "The adoption of HVO is a strategic step in achieving our decarbonization targets. In addition to improving operational efficiency, this fuel helps reduce environmental impact significantly. We are proud to be pioneers of this innovation in Indonesia's mining sector," he said.

Abu Ashar also highlighted the broader significance of this initiative within the industry. "By adopting renewable fuels like HVO, we hope to set a new standard in the mining industry and encourage other companies to follow suit. Only through collaboration and innovation across the sector can we achieve the national Net Zero Emission target," he added.

Beyond environmental benefits, the use of HVO brings other advantages to PT Vale’s operations, including enhanced truck engine performance, extended equipment lifespan, and reduced overall fuel consumption. Furthermore, with cleaner emissions, PT Vale can continue its operations with minimal environmental impact.

Maya Kusmaya, Director of Marketing at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, described the collaboration as a tangible step towards sustainable industrial practices in Indonesia. "The use of HVO, Pertamina Renewable Diesel, not only offers a sustainable fuel solution but also supports operational efficiency in the mining sector. This aligns with the government’s objectives and our commitment to achieving energy independence. The HVO product itself has a domestic component (TKDN) value of over 99%. We hope this collaboration inspires other sectors to transition to clean energy for a greener future," he explained.

In addition to using HVO, PT Vale is continuously innovating in the application of clean energy, including the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy-based boilers in its mining operations. The company has also adopted biochar as a substitute for coal in its kiln processes, with plans to fully implement this by 2027.

Through these initiatives, PT Vale is solidifying its position as a leader in Indonesia’s green mining industry. These strategic steps not only support the 2060 Net Zero Emission target but also pave the way for other industries to join the global push for a more sustainable, low-carbon future. The mining sector is expected to follow PT Vale’s lead by adopting environmentally friendly fuels and technologies that improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

With strong collaboration between the government, businesses, and energy providers like Pertamina, Indonesia has the potential to become a global leader in the clean energy transition. "We believe that this step will not only benefit PT Vale and the environment but also have a broader positive impact on Indonesia’s mining industry," concluded Abu. "This is part of our contribution to ensuring that the industry remains competitive and sustainable in the future," he added. []