The Full End of the Philippines' Rainy Season, Coupled With the Fuel Emergency, May Put Downward Pressure on Nickel Ore Prices The Full End of the Philippines' Rainy Season, Coupled With the Fuel Emergency, May Put Downward Pressure on Nickel Ore Prices This week, Philippine nickel ore prices edged down. In terms of prices, Philippine nickel ore CIF China quotations were $64-67/wmt for Ni 1.3% grade, $71-74/wmt for Ni 1.4% grade, and $78-81/wmt for Ni 1.5% grade. The average CIF price from the Philippines to Indonesia was $65.5/wmt for 1.3% grade and $72.5/wmt for 1.4% grade. Weather side, weather conditions in the Philippines improved significantly this week WoW. Rainfall in major mining areas such as Surigao, Homonhon, and Tawi-Tawi trended lower, while Zambales and Palawan remained relatively dry. This shift indicated that major mining areas had gradually entered the mining season, releasing room for nickel ore supply. Demand side, despite elevated freight costs, several Chinese smelters had already started procurement. As of Friday, March 27, nickel ore inventory at Chinese ports stood at 4.63 million mt, down 190,000 mt WoW. Current total port inventory was equivalent to about 36,400 mt Ni in metal content. Demand side, domestic NPI prices were basically flat this week, while spot transaction prices fell by about 1,083.5 yuan per nickel unit. Smelters' acceptance of high-priced raw materials had peaked, which may prompt slight concessions in CIF prices, and nickel ore FOB and CIF prices are expected to be more likely to fall than rise in the short term. Indonesia Market: Delayed RKAB Approval Progress, Coupled With Expectations for Policy Transition, Is Expected to Further Lift the Price Center of Nickel Ore This week, prices of Indonesia's local nickel ore rose. Indonesia's nickel ore benchmark price (HPM) for the second half of March was set at $17,329/dmt, up 1.32% MoM. According to SMM's Indonesia nickel ore premium data, average premiums for 1.4%, 1.5%, and 1.6% grade laterite nickel ore were quoted at $36, $40, and $40.5/wmt, respectively. Among them, the domestic-trade port-arrival price for 1.6% grade was $67.6-74.6/wmt. The simultaneous strengthening of both premiums this month reflected the release of smelters' restocking demand and pessimistic expectations over RKAB quota cuts, while the delivered price of 1.2% grade limonite ore also edged up in tandem to $25-27/wmt. From supply and demand fundamentals, as of March 27, 2026, weather conditions across Indonesia's nickel mining areas were as follows: Morowali was expected to see cumulative rainfall of 0.065-0.08 this week, and strong thunderstorms would severely affect open-pit mining and ore transportation; Konawe had scattered showers, with rainfall of about 0.03-0.045 this week; Halmahera was the most stable, mainly cloudy with light rain. The market is currently facing a clear trend of declining grades. Although some NPI smelters had begun accepting nickel ore with grades of 1.45% and below, saprolite ore remained tight in March. At present, as of mid-March, ESDM had approved about 100 million mt of RKAB nickel ore quotas, and the remaining 160 million-170 million mt is expected to complete approval before month-end. However, due to the Eid al-Fitr holiday from March 18 to 24, approval progress may be delayed, making it difficult for the tight supply situation to ease in the short term. Demand side, as some Indonesian smelters faced resource uncertainty and had difficulty obtaining high-grade nickel ore, prices remained strong. To secure raw material supply, some smelters even raised trading bonuses. In addition, some transactions of low-grade humic soil ore also emerged in the market, with fixed prices relatively lower than those of high-grade ore. Limonite ore prices remained at low levels, mainly due to the tailings dam landslide accident at an MHP project in a certain industrial park, which kept related production lines running at low operating rates and hindered the rebound in demand. However, considering RKAB uncertainty, stockpiling demand from new projects, and growing demand from outer islands, limonite ore prices are expected to stay high later by following saprolite ore. Policy side, although rumors about the implementation and delayed release of the new tax regime continued, the specific implementation rules were still under internal review by relevant ministries. Although execution details for specific products such as NPI and MHP still awaited finalisation across ministries, current policy signals may indicate that the era of tax-free exports for Indonesia's nickel intermediate products is about to come to an end. Looking ahead, Indonesia's continued policy tightening is expected to open upside room for nickel ore prices and have a profound impact on the cost structure of the global nickel supply chain.

Tri Winarno, the Director General of Minerals and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), stated on March 3, 2026, that nickel mining companies are permitted to revise their Production Quotas (RKAB) for 2026. Responding to APNI's claim that a potential 30% increase could occur via July revisions, Tri emphasized that while revisions are allowed under existing regulations, the specific percentage granted will depend on individual company needs and evaluations. These revisions are scheduled to take place in the second half of 2026 (H2 2026), consistent with standard regulatory cycles rather than a specific emergency measure following the recent quota cuts to 260–270 million tons.

PT PLN (Persero), shareholder of Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), supports IBC’s partnerships to accelerate an integrated national battery industry from upstream mining to downstream production. On Jan 30, 2026, in Jakarta, IBC signed a framework agreement with PT ANTAM and HYD Investment Limited consortium (Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt & EVE Energy). IBC CEO Aditya Farhan Arif called it the first step in national battery downstreaming—emphasizing investment, technology transfer, and domestic capacity building. The $6B project builds a full mine-to-battery chain: nickel mining & processing, precursor/cathode materials, battery cell production (starting 20 GWh), mainly in East Halmahera and West Java. PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo stressed its key role in boosting Indonesia’s EV ecosystem.

On June 10 (Tuesday), Indonesia's Energy Minister, the world's major nickel ore producer, stated on Tuesday that Indonesia had revoked the mining licenses of four mining companies in Raja Ampat, Papua, its easternmost region, following strong public protests over concerns about the environmental impact of these companies.

[Standard Lithium and Telescope Innovations Collaborate to Produce Next-Generation Solid-State Battery Materials] Standard Lithium Ltd. announced that, as part of its collaboration with Telescope Innovations, it has successfully produced battery-grade lithium sulfide. As previously mentioned, Standard Lithium has been working with its R&D partner, Telescope Innovations, to develop new and innovative conversion technologies for manufacturing next-generation battery materials. This new conversion process has now been successfully applied to convert lithium hydroxide, produced by Standard Lithium at its demonstration plant in southern Arkansas, into battery-grade lithium sulfide (Li(2)S). Samples of lithium sulfide have been shipped to solid-state battery companies in Asia and North America for ongoing testing and validation purposes. Lithium sulfide is a critical raw material required for many next-generation solid-state battery chemistries. However, despite its importance in next-generation battery technologies, lithium sulfide can only be produced commercially in very small quantities and at very high costs. The technological collaboration between the two teams has resulted in a novel, low-temperature, patented process with the following advantages: Raw material flexibility – Both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate are viable raw materials; Impurity tolerance – Allows the use of technical-grade raw materials; Lower processing temperature (<100 °C) – Reduces equipment complexity and operating costs; and Enhanced manufacturing safety – Avoids high-temperature conditions and associated thermal risks. Source: juniorminingnetwork.com [Bolivian Court Suspends Sino-Russian Lithium Deal] It has been reported that Bolivia's plans to become a major lithium producer have hit a snag after a local court ordered the suspension of two major mining deals worth over $2 billion signed last year. These contracts were signed in 2023 and 2024 with China's CBC consortium (which includes battery manufacturer CATL) and Uranium One Group, a subsidiary of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, respectively. The deals were aimed at establishing direct lithium extraction (DLE) facilities at the Salar de Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia. This salt flat, which holds one of the world's largest lithium reserves, is part of a larger lithium triangle shared with Chile and Argentina. Last week, a mixed court in the village of Colcha K, located in the Potosí region, issued the suspension order following legal complaints from indigenous groups who argued that the projects violated their environmental rights and were allowed to proceed without formal consultation. Neither project has yet received legislative approval, but preliminary activities have already commenced on-site, which local groups claim were carried out without proper authorization or environmental assessments. Bolivia's state-owned lithium company, Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), holds a 51% stake in both enterprises. Omar Alarcon, the head of YLB, stated at a press conference last year that the proposed plant is expected to produce 35,000 mt of lithium carbonate annually. According to the Argentine newspaper Infobae , the court ruling will prohibit YLB and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy from taking any administrative or operational steps related to the contract until the judicial process is concluded. However, the Bolivian government insists that it has not yet officially received notification of the court ruling and maintains that the legislative process surrounding the contract will continue until official notification is received. Source: mining.com [Gabon Plans to Ban Manganese Ore Exports, Leading to a Decline in Eramet's Share Price] Eramet's shares plummeted on Monday after Gabon announced a ban on the export of unrefined manganese starting from 2029, which could disrupt the production of large-scale export-oriented steel raw materials by the French mining group in this West African country. The Gabon government announced the plan in a statement over the weekend, which comes as several African countries—including Guinea , with bauxite, Zimbabwe , with lithium, as well as Mali and Tanzania—are seeking to shift from raw material exports to local processing. Global demand for manganese, used in steel production and increasingly in EV batteries, has been growing. Eramet is the majority shareholder of Comilog, a Gabon-based manganese mining company whose Moanda mine is the largest in the world. In a statement, Eramet said it had taken note of the Gabon government's intention to ban the export of crude manganese starting from January 1, 2029, and would continue to cooperate with the authorities "in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect." The group added that it is committed to safeguarding the 10,460 Gabon jobs maintained by Comilog and Setrag, Comilog's railway transport unit. Eramet's share price fell nearly 5.5% before recovering, ending the day down about 4% as of 0800 GMT. President Brice Oligui Nguema , who overthrew former President Ali Bongo in a coup in 2023 and was elected last month, is seeking to revive Gabon's beleaguered economy . This West African oil-exporting country holds some of the world's richest manganese deposits, primarily operated by Comilog and Chinese companies that export to China, Europe, and the US. Comilog, in which Gabon holds a minority stake, processes some manganese locally but primarily exports ore. In recent years, the Moanda mine and the Weda Bay nickel mine in Indonesia have driven Eramet's growth, while its historical nickel mining operations in New Caledonia have dried up due to losses and social unrest. In Indonesia, where nickel ore exports were previously banned to develop the local industry, Eramet signed a memorandum of understanding with sovereign fund Danatama last week to explore potential investments in nickel processing. Source: reuters.com [Rio Tinto revises costs for Serbian lithium project] Chad Blewitt, Managing Director of Rio Tinto's Jadar lithium mine, said on Wednesday that the company is revising the costs for its Serbian lithium project, which has been identified by the European Commission as one of 13 strategic new critical raw materials projects . The project has been questioned by environmental groups and many Serbs on environmental grounds and sparked massive street protests in 2022, leading to the government revoking all of Rio Tinto's exploration licenses. The Constitutional Court overturned this decision last year and restored the licenses. Rio Tinto is the only major mining company betting on lithium (used in EV batteries), accelerating its development pace through three new deals in the past six months: acquiring US-based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion and two projects in Chile for over $1 billion. The lithium market has slumped as a wave of new supply overwhelms weaker-than-expected demand for EV batteries. While demand forecasts for the metal are more optimistic over the next decade, it will take years to know whether this bet will pay off. If implemented, Rio Tinto's Jadar project could meet 90% of Europe's current lithium demand. But protesters in Serbia have threatened to block highways and railways if the project proceeds. "Whatever happens next will involve multiple stages of review and public consultation," Blewitt said. "It (the project) will place Serbia at the forefront of the green and digital revolution." Source: reuters.com

Hubei Baifu Renewable Resources Co., Ltd. will utilize its existing warehouse with a floor area of 10,000 m² to construct a project for the annual recycling, dismantling, and comprehensive utilisation of 20,000 mt of scrap new energy power batteries, with a total project investment of 220 million yuan.

Nickel mining company PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (GKP), operating in Wawonii Island, Konawe Kepulauan, Southeast Sulawesi, has contributed over Rp116 billion to the state through regional taxes and non-tax state revenues (PNBP) since receiving its mining license in 2007. According to General Manager Bambang Murtiyoso, this reflects the company’s commitment to regional and national development through transparent and accountable mining practices. GKP also emphasizes environmental governance, community empowerment, and regulatory compliance. The local government confirms that mining has become one of the top three economic drivers in the region, with the sector contributing Rp185.21 billion to the regional GDP in 2022 and Rp192.60 billion in 2023. Bappeda Chief Safiuddin Alibas stressed the importance of continued government support and regulation to ensure sustainable and beneficial investment in the region.

At the CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Chain Expo - Battery Raw Materials Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Frisdio Fercanza, a geologist and mine research and development expert from PT Pamapersada Nusantara, shared insights on the topic of "Anti-Stick Liners for Dump Trucks in Nickel Mining Operations."

Discover how global firms tap Indonesian nickel for EVs while tackling ESG issues like pollution and indigenous rights.

2025 Indonesia Mining Conference and Critical Metals Conference Date: June 3-5 Location: Pullman Jakarta Central Park, Jakarta, Indonesia The conference focuses on nickel, cobalt, new energy, coal, tin, and aluminum four major sectors with 45+ countries and 1,600+ enterprise representatives gathering in Indonesia! 01 Latest List of Participating Companies Scan to Register Scan to Register Scan to Register Scan to Register Scan to Register Scan to Register Scan to Register Participation Benefits Four Forums (Nickel & Cobalt & Battery, Aluminum, Tin, Coal) Full Access Pass Participate in the three-day agenda, interact deeply with guest speakers, obtain the latest industry insights, and gain market foresight Exclusive pre-conference social cocktail dinner participation Engage in high-end dialogues, discuss the future with industry leaders, access the SMM 1v1 meeting system, and network with 1,600+ participants Conference materials, badges, lanyards, etc. Visit exhibitions to learn about the latest products and technologies 02 Confirmed Guest Speakers Scan to Register 03 Conference Agenda Main Forum June 3 09:00 -12:00 Registration and Industry Networking 13:00 -13:10 Opening Ceremony Speech 13:10 -13:30 [Solo Speech] - Indonesia's Strategic Economic Policy on Critical Minerals: Balancing Growth, Sustainability, and Global Competitiveness 13:30 -13:50 [Solo Speech] - Regulatory Roadmap for Indonesia's Mineral and Coal Industry: Ensuring Sustainable Resource Management 13:50 -14:10 [Solo Speech] - The Core Role of Critical Minerals in Indonesia's National Economic Strategy 14:10 -14:30 [Solo Speech] - North Maluku: The Emerging Hub of Indonesia's Nickel Downstream Revolution 14:30 -14:50 [Solo Speech] - New Caledonia's Critical Mineral Development and Multilateral Cooperation Outlook 14:50 -15:10 [Solo Speech] - State Resource Integration Strategy: MIND ID's Roadmap for Downstreaming Indonesia's Nickel and Bauxite Industries 15:10 -15:30 [Solo Speech] - The Rise of Indonesia's Critical Metals Industry from a Macroeconomic Perspective 15:30-16:20 [Roundtable Forum] - How Global Metal Exchanges Promote Multilateral Market Pricing Alignment 16:00 -16:40 Tea Break 16:40 -17:30 [Leadership Roundtable Forum] - Visionaries Charting the Roadmap for Indonesia's Critical Metals Industry Development 17:30 -18:20 [Roundtable Forum] - Green Construction Standards and Vision for the Global Critical Mineral Value Chain 19:00 -20:30 Cocktail Party Scan to Register Nickel, Cobalt, and New Energy Vehicle Schedule June 4 08:00 -09:00 Registration & Breakfast Coffee 09:00 -09:20 [Solo Speech] - Accelerating Indonesia's Industrial Downstreaming: From Mineral Raw Materials to High-Value Manufacturing 09:20 -09:40 [Solo Speech] - Unlocking Investment Potential in Indonesia's Mineral Downstream Industry: Policies, Incentives, and Opportunities 09:40 -10:00 [Solo Speech] - Case Study: How to Enhance Nickel Mining Value and Reduce Costs? 10:00 -10:20 [Solo Speech] - The Current Status and Outlook of Philippine Nickel Mines: Role in the Global Supply Chain and Export Ban Impact 10:20 -10:40 Tea Break 10:40 -11:10 [Solo Speech] - Global Supply and Demand Drivers in 2030: Risks and Opportunities for Indonesian Nickel Producers 11:10 -12:00 [Roundtable Forum] - Global Nickel Market Outlook: Supply and Demand Dynamics, Price Trends, and Future Challenges 12:00 -13:30 Lunch 13:30 -13:50 [Solo Speech] - Market Outlook: Current Global Nickel Industry Status and Future Development Directions 13:50 -14:10 [Solo Speech] - To Be Confirmed 14:10 -15:00 [Roundtable Forum] - How to Achieve Global Cooperation and Build a Sustainable Nickel and Cobalt Industry? 15:00 -15:20 [Solo Speech] - Enhancing Sustainability and Transparency in the Cobalt Industry Chain 15:20 -15:40 [Solo Speech] - China's Refined Cobalt Construction: Achieving Global Supply 15:40 -16:00 Tea Break 16:00 -16:40 [Roundtable Forum] - Exploring the Global Cobalt Value Chain: New Opportunities and Challenges? 16:40 -17:00 [Solo Speech] - Breakthrough Directions in High-Pressure Acid Leaching Process Technology 17:00 -17:20 [Solo Speech] - To Be Confirmed 18:30 -20:00 Buffet Dinner June 5 08:00 -09:00 Registration & Breakfast Coffee 09:00 -09:20 [Solo Speech] - Huayou's New Energy Industry Layout and Practices in Indonesia 09:20 -10:10 [Roundtable Forum] - How Can Indonesia Become a Battery Raw Material Supply Center? 10:10 -10:30 茶歇 10:30 -10:50 【单人演讲】-非洲关键矿产的发展和机遇 10:50 -11:40 【圆桌论坛】-ESG, Sustainability and beyond (国际镍协) 11:40 -13:30 午餐 13:30 -13:50 【单人演讲】-待定 13:50 -14:10 【单人演讲】-印尼低碳镍的发展之路 14:10 -14:30 【单人演讲】-印度尼西亚去碳化战略背景下的RMI 审计标准 14:30 -14:50 【单人演讲】-待定 14:50 -15:10 【单人演讲】-东南亚矿业崛起：印度尼西亚站在全球关键矿产开发的前沿，助力可再生能源目标实现 15:10 -16:30 茶歇 16:30 -16:50 【单人演讲】-电池技术中先进的材料加工：从镍到电池 16:50 -17:10 【单人演讲】-地质勘探如何解决印尼关键矿物库存和下游产业未来问题 17:10 -18:00 【单人演讲】-探索印度尼西亚镍和钴行业的投资机会和金融策略 18:30 -20:30 自助晚餐 扫码参会 东南亚锡产业大会日程 6月4日 08:00 -09:00 签到 09:00 -09:20 【单人演讲】-全球锡市场 09:20 -09:40 【单人演讲】-印尼锡行业政策的未来发展 09:40 -10:30 【圆桌讨论】-东南亚锡产业在“一带一路”倡议中的角色 10:30 -11:00 茶歇 11:00 -11:20 【单人演讲】-锡行业的ESG风险与挑战：从矿山到金属的供应链尽责管理 11:20 -11:45 【单人演讲】-期货市场在增强锡供应链韧性中的作用 11:45 -12:10 【单人演讲】-印尼锡产业政策变化及其对全球市场的影响 12:10 -13:40 午餐 13:40 -14:00 【单人演讲】-新形势下锡商品市场风险及应对方式 14:00 -14:20 【单人演讲】-从资源到市场:锡锭全产业链的角色与价值 14:20 -14:40 【单人演讲】-全球有色金属价格波动对市场稳定性的作用 14:40 –15:30 【圆桌讨论】-引领锡的未来：适应不断变化的全球格局 15:30 -15:50 茶歇 15:50-16:10 【单人演讲】-非洲锡矿市场现状及发展前景分析 16:10 -16:30 【单人演讲】-南美锡矿与全球供需格局 16:30 -16:50 【单人演讲】-缅甸锡矿供应现状及政策影响分析 16:50 -17:10 【单人演讲】-印尼锡矿出口政策的变化与影响 17:30 -20:00 自助晚餐 6月5日 08:00 -09:00 注册&早餐咖啡 09:00 -09:20 【单人演讲】-中国锡价格走势分析及判断 09:20 -09:40 【单人演讲】-从跟随到创新，面对新挑战的锡焊料技术 09:40 -10:00 【单人演讲】-AI算法兴起对电子行业的影响及展望 10:00 -10:20 茶歇 10:20 -10:40 【单人演讲】-印度锡焊料市场：机遇与风险的博弈 10:40 -11:00 【单人演讲】-焊接材料在光伏组件领域中的应用研究 11:00 -11:20 【单人演讲】-铅酸蓄电池市场动态与锡需求变化 11:20 -11:40 【圆桌论坛】-半导体行业景气度提升对锡消费市场的效应 12:00 -13:30 午餐 13:30 -17:00 印尼当地考察 东南亚煤炭产业大会日程 6月4日 08:00 -09:00 注册&早餐咖啡 09:00 -09:20 全球动力煤市场展望 09:20 -09:40 【单人演讲】-印尼冶金煤发展对世界钢铁产业的重要性 09:40 -10:00 【单人演讲】-印尼新的煤炭基准价格如何影响全球市场 10:00 -10:20 【单人演讲】-信用质量评估：亚洲与北美煤炭生产商的对比 10:20 -11:00 茶歇 11:00 -11:20 【单人演讲】-如何通过矿物检测提升矿产品质量和安全 11:20 -11:40 【单人演讲】-亚洲煤炭需求与供应链重构 11:40 -12:00 【单人演讲】-全球煤炭贸易的变局：地缘政治、供应链与亚洲需求的未来 12:00 -13:30 午餐 13:30 -13:50 【单人演讲】-煤炭在水泥行业中的关键角色：能源转型与供应链可持续性 13:50 -14:10 【单人演讲】-印尼电力市场概况 14:10 -14:30 【单人演讲】-全球煤化工现状及分析 14:30 -14:50 【单人演讲】-全球煤炭市场和价格展望 14:50 -15:40 【圆桌论坛】-提高煤矿作业中的可靠性脱碳与能源效率 15:40 -16:10 茶歇 16:10 -16:30 【单人演讲】-优化煤炭物流运输效率：整合技术与可持续发展的新策略 16:30 -17:20 【圆桌论坛】-动力煤需求的未来：亚洲能源结构与可再生能源的崛起 17:20 -20:00 自助晚餐 6月5日 08:00 -09:00 注册&早餐咖啡 09:00 -09:20 【单人演讲】-中国煤炭市场情况（亚洲地区市场专题） 09:20 -09:40 【单人演讲】-印度煤炭市场情况（亚洲地区市场专题） 09:40 -10:00 【单人演讲】-印尼煤炭市场情况（亚洲地区市场专题） 10:00 -10:20 【单人演讲】-蒙古国煤炭市场情况（亚洲地区市场专题） 10:20 -10:50 茶歇 10:50 -11:40 【圆桌论坛】-煤炭在亚洲国家能源转型过程中的角色 11:40 -13:30 午餐 东南亚铝产业大会日程 6月4日 08:00 -09:00 注册&早餐咖啡 09:00 -09:25 【单人演讲】-铝的未来：可持续性与创新 09:25 -09:45 【单人演讲】-印尼和东南亚的铝业发展 09:45 -10:45 【圆桌论坛】-供应链和市场动态：引领全球铝行业 10:45 -11:00 茶歇 11:00 -11:25 【单人演讲】-铝市场概览 11:25 -11:50 【单人演讲】-铝供应链中环境、社会和治理风险之间的相互关系 11:50-12:10 【单人演讲】-全球铝土矿供应格局 12:10 -13:40 午餐 13:40 -14:05 【单人演讲】-印尼铝土矿行业展望 14:05 -14:30 【圆桌讨论】-拥抱绿色未来：铝业迈向可持续发展之路 14:55 -15:15 茶歇 15:15 -15:40 【单人演讲】-球电解铝市场发展和前景 15:40 -16:45 【圆桌讨论】-闭幕圆桌会议主题：“未来展望：铝行业的新兴趋势与机遇” 17:30 -20:00 自助晚餐 扫码参会 04 同期活动 扫码参会