Indonesia tightens control on nickel as the US and China scramble for critical minerals
Indonesia aims to boost domestic EV and battery industries by seizing over 4 million hectares and levying $1.7 billion in fines amid US-China rivalry for nickel control.
- Indonesia is increasing state control over its nickel industry — the world’s largest supply — after years of investing heavily in the metal to build a domestic electric vehicle sector.
- The move could affect global EV supply chains, especially as the U.S. and China compete for critical minerals. Indonesia now accounts for about 60% of global nickel supply, up sharply after banning raw ore exports and attracting Chinese-backed refining investment.
- Indonesia aimed to create a fully domestic EV industry, from mining to finished cars. However, critics say environmental damage — including deforestation and expanded mining — was justified under the banner of the energy transition.
14 Articles
14 Articles
By ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL and ANTON L. DELGADO HANÓI, Vietnam (AP) — Indonesia is strengthening state control over the world’s largest nickel reserves after years of betting that metal would serve as an anchor for a domestic electric vehicle industry, and just as global demand begins to move away from heavy nickel dependence. The measure could still impact on global electric vehicle supply chains, while the United States and China compete for critical…
Indonesia tightens control on nickel as the US and China scramble for critical minerals
Indonesia is tightening state control over its globally important nickel industry after years of betting that the metal would anchor a homegrown electric-vehicle industry.
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