Commitment to Environment and Community: PT Vale Affirms Safe Water Quality and Measured Recovery Efforts

Towuti, October 25, 2025 - Upholding its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale), a member of the Mining Industry (MindID) group, continues to implement recovery measures following an oil pipeline leak with an open, science-based, and collaborative approach. The company's primary focus is ensuring safe water quality in the surrounding areas while advancing a transparent, measurable, and auditable recovery process.

In line with its transparency principles, PT Vale has partnered with the East Luwu Government, engaging independent experts, including the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (DRRC) of the University of Indonesia (UI), to conduct regular water quality testing in the affected areas. DRRC UI is an independent research institution under the University of Indonesia, renowned nationally and internationally for its expertise in disaster risk management, environmental studies, and community resilience. The centre also serves as a technical partner to various ministries and global organizations, including BNPB, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), and UNDP, in science-based research and mitigation efforts.

Recent water sample tests conducted on October 5, 2025, confirm that all key parameters meet government quality standards, with water in the Towuti area deemed safe for daily use, including agriculture, gardening, bathing, washing, and consumption after boiling or treatment.

"We understand public concerns regarding the environmental conditions in Towuti. From the outset, we have engaged independent research institutions to ensure that every recovery step is grounded in robust, objective science, with processes and results verifiable by government and academic bodies," said Endra Kusuma, Head of External Relations at PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.In addition to water quality testing, DRRC UI conducted an analysis of water flow patterns and risk mapping within a 9-kilometer radius of the pipeline. Preliminary findings indicate no evidence of oil spreading toward the Towuti Lake conservation area, with hydrocarbon levels, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), and heavy metals within ecologically safe limits.

Since the incident was detected on August 23, 2025, PT Vale promptly halted oil flow and established an Emergency Response Group (ERG) in collaboration with the Environmental Agency (DLH), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the East Luwu Regency Government, and local communities. Over 150 field personnel and local volunteers were deployed to isolate the area, perform cleanup, and execute environmentally friendly recovery procedures.

Response measures include:

• Installation of oil booms, skimmers, and absorbent pads along main water flow paths;
• Manual and mechanical oil extraction and cleanup at identified points;
• Application of DLH-approved bioremediation using natural materials;
• Provision of 160,000 liters of clean water daily to affected communities during the emergency phase;
• Community health support through the East Luwu Health Agency;
• Outreach programs with agricultural extension workers and villagers to ensure the safety of farmland and irrigation water.

All measures are documented and reported regularly to local authorities and national regulators.

Progress at 11 Recovery Sites

As of October 22, 2025, PT Vale has completed remediation at all 11 identified sites, with water clarity restored. These sites are now undergoing advanced testing and monitoring of water and soil quality by agronomy experts from IPB University.

Field conditions show significant signs of recovery. "I pass the bridge at Site 2, and the water is crystal clear. Many residents are already using it for washing and daily activities," said Aroyos, a resident of Lioka Village who traverses the area daily.

For PT Vale, environmental recovery must align with social restoration and community trust. The company has established a Grievance and Public Consultation Post in Towuti to directly address residents' questions and concerns. Additionally, compensation and impact mitigation costs are being developed in collaboration with the East Luwu Regency Government, Forkopimda, and village authorities, based on verified and auditable field assessments.

Furthermore, PT Vale has launched a community economic recovery program, engaging affected residents in labor-intensive projects and sustainable agriculture training to ensure Towuti's ecological and economic recovery. "Our efforts and commitment are focused on not only healing the environment but also restoring the livelihoods of the Towuti community," added Endra.

As part of its responsible governance, PT Vale has:

• Submitted all environmental monitoring reports to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM);
• Conducted weekly coordination with the East Luwu Regency Government and Forkopimda;
• Engaged accredited independent laboratories for all water, sediment, and soil testing;
• Provided access for audits and field visits by civil society organizations and media;
• Implemented a transparent reporting system accessible to relevant stakeholders.

These steps reinforce the company's commitment to public accountability and sustainable recovery.

The restoration of Towuti is a long-term process requiring synergy between science, empathy, and collaboration. PT Vale remains dedicated to ongoing testing, rehabilitation, and open communication with all stakeholders, including government, academia, and local communities.

"We believe the recovery of Towuti must be a collective effort. With transparent data and a collaborative spirit, we can make Towuti a model of robust recovery, not a source of divisive debate," concluded Endra.