Critical Minerals and Energy Intelligence

Have a Guess at Nickel’s Top 10

Those hardworking journalists over at minig.com have produced a snapshot of the top 10 nickel mining companies by output in 2020 and we wanted to share it:

1. Nornickel – Russia | 178kt

Russian giant Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel) led the pack, producing 178,000 tonnes of nickel—up slightly from the year before. While its Kola division has drawn criticism over environmental issues, the company has pledged $5 billion toward cleanup efforts over the next decade.

2. Vale – Brazil | 167kt

Brazil’s Vale isn’t far behind, turning out 167,000 tonnes—just shy of its 2019 total. Its Indonesian arm, PT Vale, is planning to break ground on the Pomalaa nickel project soon, aiming to strengthen its position in the EV supply chain.

3. Glencore – Global | 101kt

Switzerland-based Glencore brought in 101,000 tonnes from its operations in Canada, Australia, and Europe. That’s a dip from 108,000 tonnes the year before, but the company remains a major player.

4. BHP – Australia | 74.8kt

Australia’s mining heavyweight BHP clocked in at just under 75,000 tonnes, all from its Nickel West division. The operation is positioned squarely toward supplying materials for battery makers.

5. Anglo American – Brazil | 43.6kt

Anglo American took fifth place with 43,600 tonnes from its Brazilian mines. The diversified miner has been gradually expanding its nickel output as demand for battery materials grows.

6. South32 – Colombia | 36.1kt

Perth-based South32 produced just over 36,000 tonnes from its Colombian operations—an 11% dip from 2019. Still, the company remains a strong mid-tier nickel producer.

7. Eramet Group – France | 35.9kt

French miner Eramet is just behind South32, with nearly 36,000 tonnes. The Paris-based company operates mainly in New Caledonia, where it’s been exploring lower-carbon pathways to production.

8. IGO – Australia | 29.5kt

Independent miner IGO delivered close to 30,000 tonnes of nickel. The company has been pivoting hard into battery metals, including a lithium JV with Tianqi Lithium in Western Australia.

9. Terrafame – Finland | 28.7kt

Finland’s Terrafame is making a name for itself in the sustainable battery materials space. It produced 28,700 tonnes of nickel and has ambitions to scale its battery-grade nickel sulphate output.

10. MCC-JJJ Mining – Papua New Guinea | 28.6kt

Rounding out the list is China’s MCC-JJJ Mining, which owns a controlling stake in the Ramu nickel-cobalt operation in Papua New Guinea. The mine contributed 28,600 tonnes in 2020.

Anthony Milewski

Chairman, Nickel 28 Capital

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