China hydrometallurgical intermediates import analysis

[SMM Nickel Flash] March 31, the Russian government has extended the ban on exporting industrial sulfur until June 30, 2026, the government's press service reported. According to the signed decree, the restriction applies to the export of liquid, granulated, and lump sulfur. However, low-grade sulfur may be exported without restrictions, subject to confirmation from the Industry and Trade Ministry. The temporary restriction does not apply to shipments to Eurasian Economic Union member states, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia. Sulfur may also be exported for humanitarian aid, as part of international transit shipments, and to support the activities of Russian organizations on the Svalbard archipelago.

The United States currently operates no domestic nickel smelters, leaving North America entirely reliant on just two remaining pyrometallurgical facilities in Canada. Compounding this critical supply chain vulnerability, a recent report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace projects that the US will face a massive annual nickel deficit of approximately 741,987 tonnes by 2035. To address this severe shortfall, awaruite (a naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy) is emerging as a strategic solution. Because awaruite concentrate can bypass traditional smelting and be directly converted into nickel sulfate, it is favorably positioned to qualify for the US Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, helping to secure domestic defense and EV battery supply chains.

According to industry reports, the Pipestone XL project in Newfoundland, Canada, is advancing its awaruite (Ni₃Fe) nickel-cobalt deposit to supply the North American defense and energy storage sectors. Awaruite, a naturally occurring, sulfur-free magnetic alloy containing approximately 77% nickel, enables the production of a high-grade ~60% nickel concentrate through simple magnetic separation and flotation. This unique metallurgical profile completely bypasses carbon-intensive pyrometallurgical smelting and early hydrometallurgical stages like high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL).