Global mine nickel production reached 3.3 million tonnes in 2022, up 21% from 2.73 million tonnes in 2021, according to preliminary estimates from the US Geological Survey (USGS).
With 1.6 million tonnes of mineral metals, Indonesia is once again the undisputed leader in nickel production, followed by the Philippines (330,000 tonnes) and Russia (220,000 tonnes).
Nickel ore production in Indonesia increased an estimated 54 percent year on year, helped by continued production of nickel pig iron and stainless steel projects, the USGS said. In addition, several companies continue to develop projects to produce high-ice nickel or mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxide, nickel intermediates used as feedstock in the production of battery-grade nickel sulfate.
