【SMM Nickel Flash】Ipilan Nickel Project Expands Operations Amid Rising Production

New Caledonia's government adopted a deliberation on September 14 setting the conditions for exporting raw nickel ore from the Tiébaghi, Koniambo and South Laterite (Sud Latéritique) metallurgical reserves. The measure follows a July 22 law that permits, by derogation, the export of ore that local nickel plants are technically or economically unable to process. Export authorisations can be granted for up to 10 years. Under the new framework, mining companies must first offer the ore to local buyers before exporting it. The offer must be made at a floor price aligned with market conditions. Export applications will also be subject to review by New Caledonia's Mining Foreign Trade Committee (CCEM), while companies must submit annual activity reports and provide information on their financial position and the requested export period. The policy could create an additional outlet for nickel ore that cannot be economically processed domestically, potentially supporting mine utilisation and the financial position of local metallurgical operations. However, the requirement to offer the material locally first means exports remain conditional on domestic processing demand and the competitiveness of local buyers.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has issued Kepmen ESDM No. 365.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2026, tightening requirements on the use of mining-service contractors by mineral and coal mining companies. Under the regulation, IUP/IUPK holders are required to prioritise licensed mining-service companies (IUJP) located in the same regency/city as the mining operation. The use of subsidiaries or affiliated companies as mining contractors is restricted and requires approval from the Minister of ESDM, including arrangements involving direct shareholding or common ultimate beneficial ownership. Applications are subject to a review process, while exemptions may apply to government-assigned activities, including National Strategic Projects, construction of processing and refining facilities, and activities supporting domestic mineral and coal requirements. For the nickel sector, the regulation does not directly change RKAB quotas or nickel ore pricing. However, nickel mining groups may need to review existing affiliated-contractor arrangements, while the new requirements could affect contractor selection, mining costs and operational arrangements.

【SMM Nickel Flash】Sinergi Lestari Targets 2 Million mt of Nickel Ore Trading in 2026 Indonesia-based Sinergi Lestari plans to trade approximately 2 million mt of nickel ore in 2026, according to Petromindo. The trading target comes amid tighter domestic nickel ore availability following adjustments to Indonesia’s 2026 mining quotas. Increased trading activity could provide additional channels for moving ore from miners to domestic nickel-processing facilities. The development highlights the growing role of ore traders in Indonesia’s nickel supply chain as smelters continue to secure feedstock amid constraints on domestic ore availability.