Nickel
About Nickel
Nickel is a versatile metal used predominantly in stainless steel but increasingly critical for high-energy-density lithium-ion battery cathodes in electric vehicles. Indonesia has rapidly expanded laterite nickel production to become the dominant global supplier. The distinction between Class 1 (battery-grade) and Class 2 nickel creates complex supply chain dynamics for the energy transition.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Ni
- Atomic Number
- 28
- Category
- Battery Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- Medium
- Top Producer
- Indonesia
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Nickel In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Nickel value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Nickel across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Nickel supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Nickel is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Nickel products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Nickel.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Nickel.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Nickel, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Nickel pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Nickel value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Nickel worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Nickel.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.