JAKARTA, April 1 (Reuters) - Nickel miner PT Vale

Indonesia is aiming for output this year of about

70,800 metric tons of nickel in matte, an official said on

Monday, a similar volume to the 70,728 metric tons produced in

2023.

The company, meanwhile, is still awaiting a new special

mining permit for its operations beyond 2025, said Bayu Aji, its

spokesperson.

"Our hope is that we can get it soon," Bayu said, adding the

new permit was crucial for the company to move forward with it

investment plan.

Vale Canada and Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining ( STMNF )

in February agreed to divest a 14% stake in Vale

Indonesia to Indonesia's mining industry holding company, MIND

ID, as a requirement to secure the new mining permit.

Indonesian government said it would issue the new mining

permit for Vale.

Foreign investors in Indonesian mining companies are

required to transfer 51% of their combined stakes to local

companies after a certain period of operation.

Upon completion of the Vale transaction, MIND ID will be the

largest shareholder in Vale Indonesia, with its stake rising to

34% from 20%.