SMM: nickel is used to store energy in batteries, and demand for nickel in batteries is expected to surge in the next few years as governments, businesses and consumers seek to reduce toxic gas emissions from fossil fuel vehicles.

Demand for nickel batteries will rise from about 139000 tonnes this year (6 per cent of total nickel demand) to 1.4 million tonnes (30 per cent of total nickel demand) in 2030 as sales of electric vehicles soar, according to forecasts from the UK's benchmark mining intelligence company.