The main nickel-producing countries

Discover the main nickel-producing countries in the world, read the latest news and statistics on the nickel mining industry.

The main nickel-producing countries are currently Indonesia, Russia, Australia, Canada and New Caledonia. In particular, Indonesia is the world’s largest producer, thanks to its abundant nickel reserves in the provinces of Sulawesi and Halmahera. Russia, on the other hand, is the world’s second largest producer of nickel, with deposits located in the Siberian region.

Australia also has a significant presence in nickel production, with mines mainly located in Queensland and Western Australia. Canada is the fourth largest producer in the world, mainly thanks to its large mines in Ontario and Manitoba. Finally, New Caledonia, a French overseas territory located in the Pacific, is an important producer of nickel, especially for the production of steel in Japan and stainless steel in
Europe.

The main nickel-producing countries

The global nickel market is experiencing a surge thanks to growing demand from the electric vehicle (EV) industry and stainless steel manufacturing. This article provides a clear and objective overview of the main nickel-producing countries, based on the most recent data from the US
Geological Survey.

1. Indonesia: Undisputed Leader

• Mining Production: 1.6 million MT
• Indonesia, the production leader, recorded a significant increase, from 345,000 metric tons (MT) in 2017 to an impressive 1.6 million tons in 2022.
• The country is rapidly positioning itself in the electric vehicle battery market, taking advantage of its strategic proximity to China, the current world leader in the production of electric vehicles.

2. Philippines: Stability and Challenges

• Mining Production: 330,000 MT
• The Philippines, a historic nickel producer, faced climate challenges that caused a reduction in production to 330,000 MT in 2022.
• Despite this, major manufacturers such as Nickel Asia Corp and Global Ferronickel are planning large investments for the construction of new processing plants.

3. Russia: Challenges and Future Investments

• Mining Production: 220,000 MT
• Although Russia holds third place, production has fallen from 272,000 MT in 2018 to 220,000 MT in 2022.
• Russian giant Norilsk Nickel plans to invest massively in energy infrastructure to increase mining production by 2030.

4. New Caledonia: Striving for Balance

• Mining Production: 190,000 MT
• This French country has seen a slight decrease in production from 220,000 MT in 2019 to 190,000 MT in 2022.
• New Caledonia seeks to balance mineral exports with the preservation of the domestic smelting and refining industry.

5. Australia: Steady Growth

• Mining Production: 160,000 MT
• Australia increased production from 151,000 MT in 2021 to 160,000 MT in 2022, with key players such as BHP.
• After the collapse in nickel prices, the Australian mining sector is experiencing a renaissance, with projects such as Kambalda by Mincor Resources contributing to the renewed interest.

6. Canada: Challenges and Decline

• Mining Production: 130,000 MT
• Canada’s nickel production decreased from 180,000 MT in 2019 to 130,000 MT in 2022.
• The Sudbury region is still a major supplier of nickel ore, but the sector is facing challenges and restructuring.

7. China: Steady and Determined

• Mining Production: 110,000 MT
• China maintains stable production and holds the leadership in the production of nickel cast iron.
• Jinchuan Group is a key player in the Chinese landscape, directly influencing global nickel price dynamics.

8. Brazil: Growth and Investments

• Mining Production: 83,000 MT
• Brazil recorded an increase in production from 74,400 MT in 2019 to 83,000 MT in 2022.
• Projects such as Jaguar by Centaurus Metals are helping to consolidate Brazil’s position in the nickel market.

9. United States: Moderate Growth

• Mining Production: 18,000 MT
• The United States has seen a gradual increase in production, from 14,000 MT in 2019 to 18,000 MT in 2022.
• The Eagle mine, the only primary nickel mining operation in the United States, contributes to this growth.

Nickel Manufacturing FAQs

• How is nickel extracted and processed?
  • The process depends on the characteristics of the deposit, but generally involves extraction, crushing, smelting, and chemical processes.
• How bad is nickel mining for the environment?
  • Nickel mining presents serious environmental concerns, including pollution, habitat destruction, and intensive use of carbon-intensive energy.

This summary provides a comprehensive and informed view of the main nickel-producing countries, highlighting current and future market trends. The nickel industry, driven by growing demand in the electric vehicle sector, presents opportunities and challenges that investors should carefully evaluate
.