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The 2023 Nickel Giants: How HPAL Technology Unlocked Indonesia’s Dominance

  • Writer: Miningvisuals
    Miningvisuals
  • 1 hour ago
  • 3 min read
The Largest Nickel Mines in the World 2023
The Largest Nickel Mines in the World 2023

While the world’s largest nickel mines are often visualized as massive craters in the earth, the real story of 2025 isn't just about what is being pulled out of the ground—it's about the high-stakes chemistry happening right next to it.


The infographic covering 2023 production data highlights the sheer scale of the Weda Bay Project, but the true disruptor is a single acronym: HPAL. This technological “skeleton key” has allowed Indonesia to unlock massive reserves of low-grade ore and convert them into the high-purity, battery-grade nickel that the EV industry craves.


The Global Shift: From Sulfide to Laterite


Historically, the nickel industry was a "club" of high-grade sulfide mines in cold climates. Today, the center of gravity has shifted to tropical laterite deposits.

Deposit Type

Common Location

Processing Method

Primary Use Case

Sulfide

Russia, Canada

Smelting/Refining

Stainless Steel & Alloys

Laterite

Indonesia, Philippines

HPAL / RKEF

EV Batteries & Steel

Turning "Dirt" into Gold


High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) changed the math. By "cooking" laterite ore at extreme temperatures and pressures, miners can now chemically extract nickel and cobalt with surgical precision. This process creates Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP)—the low-cost feedstock currently fueling the global battery boom.


Why Indonesia is Now the "OPEC of Nickel"


In 2018, Indonesia was a major player, but not a hegemon. By banning raw ore exports, the government forced giants like Tsingshan and Huayue to build massive refining complexes on-site, leading to a production explosion that has left other nations in the dust.


Rank

Country

Production (Metric Tonnes)

Global Share

1

Indonesia

2,200,000

59.4%

2

Philippines

330,000

8.9%

3

Russia

210,000

5.7%

4

Canada

190,000

5.1%

5

Australia

110,000

2.9%

-

Rest of World

660,000

18.0%


The result? A vertically integrated powerhouse. Indonesian processing costs now sit at roughly $4.50–$6.50/lb, nearly half the cost of traditional operations in Australia or Canada.


The Paradox: Green Metal, Black Energy


The rise of Southeast Asian nickel comes with a shadow. To run the massive autoclaves required for HPAL, many industrial parks rely on captive coal-fired power plants.


Processing Route

Energy Intensity

Carbon Footprint

Traditional Sulfide

Moderate

Lower (often Hydro/Grid)

Indonesian HPAL

High

Higher (Captive Coal)

NPI (Ferronickel)

Very High

Highest

As Western automakers face stricter "Green Passport" regulations, the next battle won't be fought over volume, but over carbon intensity.




Top 10 Nickel Mines (2023 Production in Tonnes)

Rank

Project Name

Country

Production (Tonnes)

1

Weda Bay Project

Indonesia (IDN)

516,700

2

PT Halmahera Persada Lygend Project

Indonesia (IDN)

95,180

3

Taganito Mine

Philippines (PHL)

70,410

4

Sorowako Mine

Indonesia (IDN)

64,100

5

PT Huayue Nickel Cobalt Project

Indonesia (IDN)

42,000

6

Ambatovy Project

Madagascar (MDG)

40,950

7

Cerro Matoso Mine

Colombia (COL)

40,800

8

Rio Tuba Mine

Philippines (PHL)

39,200

9

Oktyabrsky Mine

Russia (RUS)

36,180

10

Pakal Island Mine

Indonesia (IDN)

35,970


Sources & References

Primary Mine Rankings:


Production Data & Market Share:


Technical & ESG Analysis (HPAL):


Corporate Data:

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