Response to Washington Post Article

(“To meet EV demand, industry turns to technology long deemed hazardous”)

PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk and its Company of subsidiaries and affiliated companies (PTTBP or the Company) refer to the Washington Post article [...] released online on 10 May, 2023. The article focuses on High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) technology, and hence this reply refers to PTTBP’s practices related to the operation of its HPAL facility.

We appreciate the concerns raised in the article, and the Company is strongly aware of the need to responsibly manage our operations. Since the start of our operations on Obi island in 2010, PTTBP has consistently obtained all required permits, and complied with all applicable environmental and other regulations. We are committed to continuous improvement, and welcome feedback on our environmental and social management, and any other aspect of our operations.

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Environmental Management

In PTTBP’s Sustainability Policy, we commit to a high standard of environmental practices in line with national regulations and international standards. In recent months, we have responded to a range of concerns about our environmental management, including the points raised in the article.

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Water Quality and Effluent Management

Kawasi residents are still using the same source of drinking water they had been using before our operations on Obi island began (the Kawasi spring). Analysis results of the water quality of the Kawasi spring for more than 10 years (2013 – 2023) have shown that the water quality is suitable for consumption and in line with the water quality standards set by the government.

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HPAL Tailings

PTTBP has never disposed and will never dispose tailings from our HPAL operations to rivers, the sea, or any area outside its designated tailings storage facilities.

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Carbon Emissions of HPAL Process

PTTBP has committed to achieve net zero emissions before 2050. [...] we have been implementing a variety of initiatives to utilize less carbon intensive energy sources, and reduce the Company’s energy consumption. [...]A key initiative is the construction of a 300MWp solar power facility by 2025.

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Community Development

PTTBP’s positive relationship with the local community has been well documented.

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