Our latest report, “Multinational Corporations and Nickel Downstreaming in Indonesia,” uncovers Indonesia’s pivotal role in the global nickel industry. As of 2022, Indonesia commanded a remarkable 21% share of the world’s nickel reserves and exerted control over an impressive 48% of global nickel ore production. With advanced nickel ore processing facilities, Indonesia has become a leading supplier of nickel pig iron (NPI) and is making strides in stainless steel production, as well as the manufacturing of nickel matte and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) – essential raw materials for electric vehicle battery production.

This success is closely linked to the flourishing nickel downstreaming industry and the crucial role played by multinational corporations, particularly those from China. Positioned strategically in industrial zones like Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP), Virtue Dragon Nickel Industrial Park (VDNIP), and Stardust Estate Industry/Gunbuster Nickel Industry (SEI/GNI), these corporations have driven growth but also raised complex socio-ecological issues. Building on our previous report from December 2020, Action for Ecology and People’s Emancipation (Aksi Ekologi dan Emansipasi Rakyat) presents this updated report, offering fresh insights into Indonesia’s nickel industry and the challenges it brings. Explore the full report below for a comprehensive understanding.