Indonesia to Supply 10% Global Nickel Need by 2020

• May 11, 2017

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia is targeting to produce four million tons of nickel by 2020. This volume will allow Indonesia to become a world supplier to contribute 10 percent to the 40 million tons global demand per year.

The Industry Ministry’s director general of metal, machinery, transportation and electronics industry I Gusti Putu Suryawirawan said in Kendari, Wednesday, May 10, that Indonesia has 32 nickel smelter projects in 14 industrial estates.

“We are optimistic that by 2020, Indonesia can contribute four million tons or four percent to the world’s annual nickel demand,” Gusti said.

The optimism stems from the start of operation by several nickel smelting industries in a number of provinces, including Morosi in Konawe District and Aneka Tambang in Kolaka (Southeast Sulawesi), Obi Island (Maluku), Halmahera (Maluku North) and Morowali (Central Sulawesi).

The 32 nickel smelter projects are estimated to absorb 23,000 labor force. A number of smelter projects collaborate with universities and the Ministry’s Vocational Training Center to prepare professional workers.  

Today, China is the biggest global supplier. China import ores and semi-finished mining outputs from other countries, including Indonesia.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/05/10/056874090/Indonesia-to-Supply-10-Global-Nickel-Need-by-2020