Top-10 Nickel Producing Countries in the World [Current Affairs]

Nickel is a critical metal used in various industries, including stainless steel production and battery manufacturing. As global demand for nickel rises, several countries have emerged as major producers, each contributing significantly to the market. This article highlights the top 10 nickel-producing countries in the world, detailing their production volumes and key players in the industry, reflecting their impact on the global supply chain.

Global Nickel Production

Global nickel production from mines was estimated at 3.6 million metric tons. This substantial output reflects the essential role of nickel in various industries, including stainless steel and battery manufacturing. The significant production levels underscore the global reliance on key nickel-producing countries to meet growing demand and support economic growth.

Largest Nickel Producer in the World

Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer, holding reserves of 21 million metric tons, which constitutes 20.6% of the global total. In 2023, Indonesia produced 1.72 million metric tons of nickel, marking a 21.1% increase from 2022. The country’s nickel-rich saprolite and limonite deposits support its high production levels. Major mines like Pakal Island, Bahoomahi, Gag Island, Pomalaa, and Tapunopaka are crucial to its output. Indonesia is expected to significantly contribute to the global production increase to 3.37 million metric tons in 2023.

Top-10 Nickel Producing Countries in the World

Indonesia, with the annual nickel production of 1.72 million metric tons, stands as the largest nickel producer in the world, followed by Philippines, Russia, New Caledonia and Australia.

Here is the list of top-10 nickel producing countries in the world:

Uses of Nickel

The uses of Nickel metal are as follows:

• Alloys: Used in stainless steel, superalloys, and nonferrous alloys; found in mobile phone cases, golf clubs, wristwatch springs, boat propeller shafts, turbine blades, armor plating, and geothermal energy systems.
• Batteries: Key component in rechargeable nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles.
• Consumer Products: Used in thermostats, internal electronics of computers, phones, and tablets.
• Coins: Incorporated in coinage since the mid-19th century.
• Gas Turbines and Rocket Engines: Resists corrosion at high temperatures, making it valuable for these applications.
• Catalysts: Essential in hydrogenation of vegetable oils, hydrocarbon reforming, and production of fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.