Nickel Supply Chain Compliance

Nickel is a critical mineral used in high-nickel cathode chemistries (NMC, NCA) for lithium-ion batteries. Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer, accounting for approximately 50% of global production. Nickel is designated as a critical mineral by the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Battery-Grade Nickel

Battery-grade nickel (Class I nickel, ≥99.8% purity) is required for EV battery cathodes. The production of battery-grade nickel from Indonesian laterite ores using high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) has raised environmental concerns, including deforestation, water pollution, and high carbon emissions. IRA FEOC restrictions limit the use of Chinese-processed nickel in EV batteries eligible for the tax credit.