[SMM Nickel Flash News] APNI Proposes 30 Mt Buffer as Indonesia’s Nickel Ore Demand Outpaces RKAB
The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) has recommended setting the 2026 nickel ore RKAB at 270 million wmt plus a 30 million wmt strategic buffer, implying a potential total of 300 million wmt. The proposal aims to address rising raw-material requirements from Indonesia’s expanding smelting capacity. At full capacity, approximately 80 smelters would require an estimated 315 million wmt of nickel ore annually, highlighting a potential supply gap under the current quota. APNI also projects 15–25 million wmt of Philippine nickel ore imports in 2026, up around 67% YoY, to supplement domestic supply.