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The Largest in the World, This is the Solution to Extend the Life of Indonesia’s Nickel Reserves

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The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) claims that nickel commodity reserves in Indonesia are still the largest in the world or 23 percent of reserves on earth. This country’s nickel resources consist of 17.7 billion tonnes of ore and 177.8 million tonnes of metal, while its reserves total 5.2 billion tonnes of ore and 57 million tonnes of metal.

In addition, there are a number of areas that are said to have nickel content, but have not been explored (greenfield). These areas are spread across the provinces of Southeast Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Maluku, North Maluku, Papua and West Papua.

Irwandy Arif, Special Staff to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources for the Acceleration of Mineral and Coal Governance, stated that the production life of second class nickel, such as nickel pig iron (NPI) and ferronickel, is estimated to be only 6 to 11 years. However, if first class nickel batteries are produced, their lifespan is still around 25 to 112 years.

“If we look at the current reserves of 5.2 billion tons, almost the same amount as saprolite and limonite. Then, the resources are around 17 billion tons. So, these are the resources that we have to convert into reserves and detailed exploration efforts are needed,” ” said Irwandi in a written statement in Jakarta, Tuesday (17/10/2023).

He said that the age of nickel resources and reserves could increase if exploration of greenfield areas was increased. This opportunity, he said, is very open to parties who will carry out nickel mining activities in Indonesia.

“Of course a lot of investment is needed. “This is what needs to be done to increase existing reserves,” continued Irwandy.

Apart from that, the rate of nickel ore consumption also needs to be reduced in order to extend the life of nickel. According to Irwandy, managers who already use the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF)—nickel ore processing technology—must think about ways so that NPI and ferronickel products can be processed into stainless steel .

“This is very important for the balance of our nickel supply chain ,” he concluded.

Based on Booklet released by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, 77 percent of potential mineralization-bearing areas in Southeast Sulawesi do not yet have Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP). Even though this area holds potential reserves of 2.6 billion tons.

Then, 43 percent of the potential mineralization-bearing areas in Maluku also do not have WIUP, nickel reserves there are estimated at 1.4 billion tons. Meanwhile, in Papua, there are 98 percent of potential mineralization-bearing areas that do not yet have WIUP with reserves of 0.06 billion tonnes.

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