Indonesian Nickel Miners Association: 2026 production quota additions to be granted selectively
2026-08-14 10:58:42 [Print]
The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) announced today that the government will grant additional nickel ore production quotas on a selective basis, targeting only smelters facing raw material shortages, as industry stakeholders await further clarity on this year's quota adjustments.
Overall nickel ore production quotas for 2026 are expected to remain in the range of 260 million to 270 million metric tons, a significant reduction from the 379 million tons allocated in 2025, the association confirmed in an official statement.
Domestic nickel ore consumption for the January-to-July period reached 142.96 million tons, representing approximately 53% to 55% of the annual quota. The Indonesian government sets annual production quotas for all minerals across the country.
In response to evolving demand dynamics, the association has recommended that miners be permitted to produce an additional 30 million tons of nickel ore this year, serving as a strategic buffer and bringing the total allocation to approximately 300 million tons.
According to the association, the additional production is necessary to meet demand from new smelting capacity anticipated to come online in 2026. Indonesia currently hosts around 80 nickel smelters, and full-capacity operation across all facilities would require approximately 315 million tons of ore annually.
The association further called on the government to enhance transparency in the production quota decision-making process, urging clearer criteria and communication to support industry planning and investment.
Overall nickel ore production quotas for 2026 are expected to remain in the range of 260 million to 270 million metric tons, a significant reduction from the 379 million tons allocated in 2025, the association confirmed in an official statement.
Domestic nickel ore consumption for the January-to-July period reached 142.96 million tons, representing approximately 53% to 55% of the annual quota. The Indonesian government sets annual production quotas for all minerals across the country.
In response to evolving demand dynamics, the association has recommended that miners be permitted to produce an additional 30 million tons of nickel ore this year, serving as a strategic buffer and bringing the total allocation to approximately 300 million tons.
According to the association, the additional production is necessary to meet demand from new smelting capacity anticipated to come online in 2026. Indonesia currently hosts around 80 nickel smelters, and full-capacity operation across all facilities would require approximately 315 million tons of ore annually.
The association further called on the government to enhance transparency in the production quota decision-making process, urging clearer criteria and communication to support industry planning and investment.
Nickel Ore Philippine 1.3%min CIF China
Unit:USD/mt
China refined nickel producers' inventory to production ratio statistics by province by month
Unit: %
