SHANGHAI, Jul 15 (SMM) – Some nickel mines suspended shipments after a powerful earthquake hit the remote Maluku islands in eastern Indonesia on Sunday July 14, SMM learned.

The magnitude-7.3 quake, followed by several strong aftershocks, did not have significant impact on local mines and smelters or damage infrastructure at ports, but mines in Obi islands and Weda Bay in Halmahera stopped loading cargoes on board.

The quake-struck region, as a major producing area for laterite nickel ore, is home to a raft of nickel mines and smelters.

Shipments are expected to recover in several days as long as there is no infrastructure damage.