01 High-Pressure Acid Leaching Expands Laterite Ore Utilization The need to recover nickel from abundant laterite deposits is encouraging mining companies to adopt high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL), which uses elevated temperatures, pressure, and sulfuric acid to extract nickel and cobalt from suitable low-grade ores. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Indonesia produced approximately 2.2 million metric tons of nickel in 2024, reflecting the importance of laterite-rich regions in global nickel supply. This transition supports the development of new nickel resources and battery-material feedstocks while increasing the importance of acid management, tailings control, and efficient processing operations.
02 Nickel Processing Shifts Toward Battery-Grade Intermediates The demand for nickel-based lithium-ion batteries is encouraging refiners to convert nickel ores and intermediates into battery-grade nickel sulfate and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) for cathode manufacturing. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Indonesia's nickel content in nickel-cobalt hydroxide intermediates reached an estimated 290,000 metric tons in 2024, compared with 180,000 metric tons in 2023. This transition strengthens the role of specialized refining facilities and high-purity processing technologies, enabling nickel producers to supply battery manufacturers with materials that meet specific chemical and quality requirements.
July 2026 PT Vale Indonesia commenced commercial sales of nickel limonite ore from its Pomalaa mining block while simultaneously operating the Sorowako, Bahodopi, and Pomalaa mines, marking a major expansion of its nickel production and commercial portfolio.
May 2025 Eramet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s Danantara Indonesia and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) to explore the establishment of a strategic investment platform for integrated upstream and downstream nickel projects, supporting the country's EV battery supply chain.
February 2025 Anglo American agreed to sell its Brazilian nickel business to MMG Singapore Resources for up to USD 500 million as part of its portfolio simplification strategy and increased focus on copper and iron ore operations.
January 2025 PT Vale Indonesia began commercial nickel ore sales from its Bahodopi mine, creating a new revenue stream alongside nickel matte production and expanding its mining operations in Indonesia.