【SMM Flash News】PT WBN to Halt Ore Operations in May Amid RKAB Quota Squeeze; NPI Production Unaffected

Published: Apr 23, 2026 21:12

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Despite a strong Q1 performance with external ore sales reaching 8.3 Mwmt (+54% YoY), PT WBN (Weda Bay Nickel) is set to place its mining operations under "Care and Maintenance" in May 2026. This suspension follows a drastic 70% reduction in its 2026 RKAB quota (initially granted at 12 Mwmt versus 42 Mwmt in 2025). While limonite sales surged 2.2x to 3.6 Mwmt due to high HPAL demand at IWIP, the current authorized volumes fall far short of the park's estimated 100 Mwmt annual requirement. Although a revision request for a higher quota is currently under review by Indonesian authorities, the mine will suspend commercial operations with IWIP until approval is granted. Notably, PT WBN’s NPI plant will continue normal operations by drawing from existing ore stockpiles.

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