SMM Flash News: Indonesian Limonite Nickel Ore Prices and Premiums Update for May 2025

Published: May 6, 2025 18:24
【SMM Flash News】SMM, May 6 — The domestic trade price range for Indonesian limonite nickel ore with 1.5% grade (delivered to factory) is USD 46.6–48.6/wet ton, with an average price of USD 47.6/wet ton. For 1.6% grade nickel ore, the price range is USD 52.6–54.6/wet ton, averaging USD 53.6/wet ton.
The HMA price (Indonesia’s benchmark mineral product price) for the first half of May 2025 is USD 15,049.23/ton, decreased by 3% from the previous period. Specifically, the HPM price for 1.6% grade Indonesian domestic limonite nickel ore has decreased from USD 27.47/wet ton to USD 26.61/wet ton, a drop of USD 0.86/wet ton.
However, the premium on Indonesian domestic ore has risen in May. The premium for pyrometallurgical ore from Sulawesi Island mostly stands at USD 26–28/wet ton, an increase of around USD 2/wet ton. Overall, SMM expects the absolute transaction price of Indonesian domestic pyrometallurgical nickel ore to increase slightly in May.

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.

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