Spot price of nickel chloride on 9 April 2020

Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) is investigating PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (CNI) over alleged nickel grade manipulation and exports without a valid RKAB during 2017–2019 in Southeast Sulawesi. Investigators allege that test results and export documents were manipulated to meet export requirements, with estimated state losses of Rp401.65 billion. The case highlights tighter scrutiny of nickel grade verification, export documentation and RKAB compliance, potentially increasing compliance requirements for miners and exporters.

Indonesia has relaxed the DHE SDA (Natural Resources Export Proceeds) rules effective 1 September 2026. Eligible mining exporters may retain at least 30% of their export proceeds domestically for a minimum of three months, compared with the previous 100% retention requirement. The relaxation applies to qualifying mining companies, including those with at least one shareholder from a designated trade-agreement country holding a minimum 10% stake. 64 mining companies reportedly meet the requirements under Article 18A. The policy is expected to improve liquidity and reduce the working-capital burden for eligible exporters while still keeping part of export proceeds in Indonesia.