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Harita Nickel, an integrated nickel mining and processing company, has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining practices by winning two MineXcellence awards. These awards are presented by the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE) to mining companies that are recognized for their consistent innovation, efficiency, and social and environmental sustainability.
At the MineXcellence event held in Jakarta on Thursday, 8 January 2025, Harita Nickel won 1st place (Mining Champion) in the Local Community Empowerment for Mining Workforce category. The award was given in recognition of the success of the Youth Skills and Competency Improvement Program (PELITA), which was deemed capable of providing access to capacity building and sustainable employment opportunities for communities around the operational area.
The PELITA program is a vocational initiative by Harita Nickel designed to equip local youth with skills needed by the mining industry. Training covers heavy equipment operation and Mandarin language proficiency, in an effort to improve the competitiveness of the local workforce and expand community involvement in the nickel industry value chain.
In addition, Harita Nickel also achieved 2nd place (Mining Master) in the category of Innovation and Post-Mining Land Rehabilitation through the use of nickel slag as a soil conditioner. This innovation utilizes the residuals from the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) process to support reclamation and revegetation activities, thereby providing added value while reducing the environmental impact of mining activities.
The MineXcellence award was received by Harita Nickel's Vice President of Environmental Green Mining, Retno Dewi Handayani. She conveyed that this achievement reflects the company's commitment to integrating community empowerment and sustainable environmental management.
"This award is not the ultimate goal, but rather a sign that the steps we have taken so far are on the right track. Harita Nickel will continue to refine its approach to resource management, develop shared value with the communities surrounding its operational areas, and carry out responsible nickel mining and processing practices," said Retno.
On the same occasion, Harita Nickel's Health and Education Supervisor, Ragil Pardiantoro, together with Education Foreman, Siti Nur Artina, also presented various human resource development initiatives carried out by the company. Ragil said that this award was the result of long-term collaboration between the company and the local community.
"This award is the result of our collaboration with the community. Going forward, Harita Nickel will continue to develop local talent, especially from Obi Island, so that they can grow and empower themselves alongside the industry," said Ragil.
Through this achievement, Harita Nickel emphasizes that responsible mining practices are built through a balance between environmental protection and strengthening the capacity of local communities. The MineXcellence award reflects the company's commitment to bringing long-term positive impacts to surrounding communities while supporting the sustainability of the national mining industry.