Critical Minerals and Energy Intelligence

Indonesia orders world’s biggest nickel mine to cut ore quota for 2026

Subscribe for Investment Insights. Stay Ahead.

Investment market and industry insights delivered to you in real-time.

[mepr-membership-registration-form id="4595"]

PT Weda Bay Nickel has been told to file a 2026 work plan reflecting 12 million wet metric tonnes of annual production and sales, a sharp cut from the 42 million wet metric tonnes permitted for 2025, according to a statement from Eramet.

The company said the 12 million figure was an initial notification and that it would apply promptly for an increase to the 2026 volume.

The Weda Bay complex, the largest in the world, is operated by Eramet and Tsingshan Holding Group and is central to Indonesia’s nickel supply chain, after Jakarta’s ore export ban helped drive heavy investment into domestic processing.

Nickel prices jumped on the news. Three-month nickel on the London Metal Exchange rose 2.2% to $17,880/t and hit $17,980/t, the highest since Jan 30, 2026.

The cut also fits a broader tightening of Indonesia’s approved mining plans for 2026. Indonesian media have cited official comments that national nickel ore work-plan approvals total roughly 260–270 million tonnes, down from 379 million tonnes in 2025, according to Reuters and the Financial Times.

Why it matters: Indonesia is now using permits and quotas as a direct market lever. For investors, that raises the upside to any sustained tightening — and the policy risk that quotas can be revised again. Financial Times

Our latest report on whether copper hit $15,000 in 2026?

Disclaimer

The Oregon Group maintains full editorial control over all content published on this website. While sponsored and advertised placements may be featured, the content remains the sole opinion of The Oregon Group. The author may receive compensation or remuneration for providing content, but all statements and expressions are made independently and are not influenced by sponsors or advertisers. From time to time, The Oregon Group and its directors, officers, partners, employees, authors, or members of their families, as well as persons who are interviewed for articles on this website, may have a long or short position in securities or commodities mentioned and may make purchases and/or sales of those securities or commodities in the open market or otherwise. By accessing and using this website, readers are cautioned to assume that each of the foregoing persons may have a financial interest in all companies and sectors mentioned on this website. Any projections, market outlooks or estimates herein are forward looking statements and are inherently unreliable., and any such statements are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events that will occur.  Other events that were not taken into account may occur and may significantly affect the returns or performance of the securities or commodities discussed herein. The information provided herein is based on matters as they exist as of the date of preparation and not as of any future date, and The Oregon Group undertakes no obligation to correct, update or revise the information in this document or to otherwise provide any additional material. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not, directly or indirectly, an offer, solicitation of an offer and/or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or commodity, and the information provided on this website should not be construed as any advice or an opinion as to the price at which the securities of any company or commodity may trade at any time. The Oregon Group is a publisher of financial information, not an investment advisor.  We do not provide personalized or individualized investment advice or information that is tailored to the needs of any particular recipient, and the information provided on this website is not and should not be construed as personal, financial, investment or professional advice. Readers are cautioned to always do their own research and review of publicly available information and to consult their professional and registered advisors before purchasing or selling any securities or commodities and should not rely on the information contained herein. Neither The Oregon Group nor any of its affiliates accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of the information contained herein. By using the Site or any affiliated social media account, you are indicating your consent and agreement to this disclaimer and our terms of use. Unauthorized reproduction of this newsletter or its contents by photocopy, facsimile or any other means is illegal and punishable by law.

Share this article

about the author

Picture of The Oregon Group

The Oregon Group

The Oregon Group is an investment research team focused on critical minerals, mining, energy and geopolitics.

Our Podcast

Tags

Subscribe Now

Subscribe and get market and industry trends delivered to you in real-time.

SUBSCRIBE FOR INVESTMENT INSIGHTS

Welcome to The Oregon Group, an investment research team focused on critical minerals, mining, energy and geopolitics.

Our independent capital markets experts are sharing their boardroom expertise and institutional experience to help you profit and hedge your investment exposure during this time of unmissable opportunity.