Mining & Processing

How Nickel Is Mined and Processed

Nickel (Ni) is a battery metal with global annual production of approximately 3.6 million tonnes, primarily from Indonesia and Philippines. Typical ore grades range from 0.8-3% Ni.

Mining Methods

Nickel is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Open-pit laterite mining
• Underground sulfide mining
• Deep-sea mining (proposed)

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Nickel include:

• Laterite - limonite, saprolite
• Pentlandite - sulfide
• Garnierite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Nickel ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Rotary kiln-electric furnace (RKEF) for NPI
2. High-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) for MHP
3. Flash smelting (sulfide concentrates)
4. Sherritt-Gordon ammonia pressure leach

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Nickel mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Nickel must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in Indonesia where 55% of global production is concentrated.