Environmental probes in Jun to affect 12.6% of NPI output

Published: Jun 14, 2018 14:53

Save

This round of intensive environmental probes in June is likely to affect output of nickel pig iron by 5,108 mt in metal content

SHANGHAI, Jun 14 (SMM) – This round of intensive environmental probes across China in June is likely to affect output of nickel pig iron (NPI) by 5,108 mt in metal content, according to SMM calculations.

This accounts for 12.6% of overall NPI output in April when production was normal.

The probes included environmental reviews of previous rectification works in Jiangsu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Hebei and Henan provinces as well as inspections on illegal dumping of solid waste materials in Guangdong and Guangxi. The environmental reviews would last for one month and were kicked off around the start of this month. When the inspections on solid waste would end remains unknown. We based our calculation on one month.

Affected NPI production in Shandong due to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was also included in the calculation.

The probes have yet to extend to Fujian province where many plants with integrated production of NPI and stainless steel are located. In May, stainless steel output in Fujian accounted for 31% of overall output across China, SMM research found.

The province’s supply of #200 and #300 stainless steel amounted to 57% and 25%, respectively, of overall production in May. Nickel prices are likely to be under pressure if the environmental probes extend to Fujian.

Environmental protection drive stainless steel nickel pig iron (NPI)

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

【SMM Nickel Flash News】 ESDM's Statement of RKAB Revision Rules Amid APNI’s 30% Increase Claim

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.

1 hour ago

2 hours ago

[SMM Daily Nickel Intermediate Product Review] March 4: Nickel Prices for MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Declined

As of now, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel was $15,549/mt Ni, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt was $49,819/mt Co. MHP payables (against the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) were 85-86, and the MHP cobalt element payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) was 91. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte was $15,910/mt Ni.

2 hours ago

4 hours ago

【SMM Nickel Flash News】 APNI and PNIA Sign MOU to Establish IndoPhil Nickel Corridor

The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the "IndoPhil Nickel Corridor," a strategic platform between the world's two largest nickel producers. Signed in Manila on February 12, 2026, the agreement focuses on five key pillars: data and policy governance, industry dialogue, cross-country learning, ESG-based capacity building, and adaptive cooperation mechanisms. This collaboration aims to strengthen the regional nickel supply chain from upstream to downstream while aligning with ASEAN’s sustainable mineral development principles to support the global green energy transition.

4 hours ago