Harita Nickel (NCKL) is actively securing the long-term nickel supply by exploring untapped mining permits (Izin Usaha Pertambangan or IUP).
Primus Priyanto, the head of Mining Engineering at Harita Nickel, revealed that feasibility studies indicate the depletion of nickel reserves on the IUP held by PT. Trimegah Bangun Persada and its subsidiary, PT. Gane Tambang Sentosa (GTS), by 2030, or potentially earlier.
To counter this, NCKL is boosting nickel production by constructing a Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) smelter through its subsidiary, PT. Karunia Permai Sentosa (KPS), and a High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) smelter operated by PT. Obi Nickel Cobalt (ONC), another NCKL subsidiary.
During an encounter with the EV Exploration Team, Primus discussed NCKL’s plans for new mining areas, including Gambaru Village on Obi Island, North Maluku.
The IUP in this region, recently acquired by NCKL in November, is under development. Housing for mining activities in Gambaru Village is in progress, with mining set to commence next year. NCKL is also awaiting government permits to enter another IUP owned by its subsidiary, PT. Jikodolong Megah Pertiwi, aiming to boost confidence and increase nickel ore reserves currently standing at 302 million metric tons.
NCKL’s Operational Director, Younsel Evand Roos, highlighted the company’s increasing nickel ore production projections.
Having supplied 18 million metric tons of nickel ore to processing facilities, NCKL anticipates reaching approximately 32 million metric tons in 2025, aligning with the smelter’s operation. The goal is to produce or supply around 36 million tons of raw ore annually starting in 2026 when the operations reach full capacity.
