【SMM Nickel Market】French miner Eramet explores lithium in Central Java, Indonesia

Published: Aug 28, 2025 13:31

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【SMM Nickel Market】French mining company Eramet is exploring lithium potential in Central Java’s Bledug Kuwu mud volcano, partnering with Indonesia’s Geological Agency to support Jakarta’s EV supply chain ambitions. Samples are being analyzed at Eramet’s research center in France, with industrialization dependent on sufficient lithium content. Any output would feed Indonesia’s domestic EV battery industry rather than exports. Indonesia already holds the world’s largest nickel reserves alongside cobalt, key to battery production. Eramet also operates the Weda Bay Nickel joint venture in North Maluku with Tsingshan and Antam, accounting for about 17% of global nickel output.

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