Nickel Mining in Indonesia

This case study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the socioenvironmental governance of nickel mining in Indonesia, specifically focusing on the impacts of laterite ore processing via high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) and the associated policy measures.

• Indonesia is the world's leading nickel producer, possessing an estimated 55 million tonnes of reserves. Its global production share increased from 16% in 2017 to 54% in 2023, with a production volume of 2.02 million tonnes in 2023.
• The processing of low-grade laterite ore using high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) in Indonesia is linked to significant environmental and social impacts. This method produces more waste per tonne of metal and has a larger environmental footprint than nickel sulfide mining. Furthermore, the reliance on coal for energy in this process leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
• There is a need for stringent legislative frameworks to manage mining-related issues, specifically water management and tailings, to mitigate potential negative impacts on society and the environment.

APA

Nweke-Eze,, S. E. C. T. A. O. U. (2026). Nickel Mining in Indonesia. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nickel-mining-indonesia

Chicago

Nweke-Eze,, Sophia Esmail,Elena Cornaro,Ege Tekinbas,Carlos Alberto Ortega,Stanley U. Nickel Mining in Indonesia. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nickel-mining-indonesia.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Nweke-Eze, |first1=Sophia Esmail,Elena Cornaro,Ege Tekinbas,Carlos Alberto Ortega,Stanley U. |title=Nickel Mining in Indonesia |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=5 May 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nickel-mining-indonesia |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{nwekeeze2026nickel, author = {Nweke-Eze,, Sophia Esmail,Elena Cornaro,Ege Tekinbas,Carlos Alberto Ortega,Stanley U.}, title = {{Nickel Mining in Indonesia}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nickel-mining-indonesia}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }