Indonesia likely to resume nickel ore export after investigations

SHANGHAI, Oct 30 (SMM) – Indonesia may resume nickel ore exports in a week or two after the investigation on “massive violations” of export rules, said Luhut Pandjaitan, coordinating minister for maritime and mining affairs on Tuesday October 29. 

Pandjaitan said shipments had soared since September, nearly trebling the level seen in previous months, as the government announced in late-August to bring forward a ban on ore exports to January 2020 from 2022.

"Miners were ordered to stop exporting during the period of comprehensive inspection,” he told reporters, adding that the authorities were investigating reports of manipulations that led to large-scale exports of high-grade nickel ore.

Indonesia allowed only the export of nickel ore with a grade below 1.65% and granted quotas only to companies that own smelters in the country, as it seeks to develop the country's downstream nickel industry.

On Monday October 28, some Indonesian miners agreed to stop nickel ore exports immediately after a sudden check on illegal export, according to media reports.