About the Conference

The global nickel market in 2026 operates under a fundamentally different set of conditions than in previous years. While earlier editions of this conference were shaped by rapid capacity expansion and strong optimism around EV-driven demand, the current environment is defined by tighter margins, cautious capital markets, and ongoing supply chain adjustments.

Global economic uncertainty, shifting trade policies, and logistics disruptions have made procurement and project financing more complex. At the same time, Indonesia’s domestic production quotas have introduced new layers of operational planning for smelters and processors.

For producers and miners, the focus has shifted from scaling up to securing stable financing, managing debt, and ensuring reliable ore supply to keep operations running. Buyers are no longer making large speculative purchases; they are prioritizing contract stability, consistent delivery, and compliance requirements. Financiers and investors have become highly selective, directing capital only toward projects with clear pathways to profitability, proven technology, and strong risk mitigation.

In this climate, the old conference narrative centered on “growth opportunities,” “EV momentum,” and “Indonesia’s nickel advantage” is no longer enough. The industry needs practical discussions that address real-time commercial and operational pressures. This edition has been rebuilt to reflect that shift. We are moving away from broad market optimism and focusing instead on the decisions that matter right now: how to protect margins, secure financing, navigate policy changes, and build partnerships that withstand market volatility.

The 5th edition is designed as a strategic forum for executives who need actionable insights, not just industry updates. It brings together the right decision-makers to discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt operations and commercial strategies to a more demanding market.

This is not a general market outlook event. The 5th Nickel Producers, Processors & Buyers Conference is a focused executive forum built for serious problem-solving and commercial decision-making. It brings together senior leaders from mining companies, smelters, downstream processors, stainless steel mills, battery supply chain buyers, financial institutions, and policy advisors.

The program is structured around candid discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and practical sessions that address the commercial, operational, and financial pressures currently facing the industry.

Why Attend

• Understand what makes nickel projects and operations bankable in a more cautious financing environment.
• Gain practical insight on ore security, quota management, and supply continuity.
• Hear what buyers now expect on pricing, delivery reliability, compliance, and traceability.
• Benchmark strategies for margin protection, cost discipline, and operational resilience.
• Assess realistic downstream and partnership options under current market conditions.
• Meet serious counterparties across production, processing, financing, logistics, and end-use demand.

Who Should Attend

• Mining company executives, smelter operators, and downstream processors
• COOs, CFOs, commercial directors, and supply chain managers
• Stainless steel mills and battery supply chain buyers
• Banks, project financiers, investors, and financial advisors
• Traders, logistics providers, and shipping companies
• Legal, compliance, ESG, and technology service providers
• Industry associations, regulators, and policy advisors

Agenda

Day 1 – Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Theme: Market Reality, Supply Security & Margin Protection

• Global Nickel Reset 2026: Prices, Balance and Buyer Behaviour
• Indonesia’s Nickel Policy Roadmap 2026–2027: Quotas, Downstream and Exports
• Keeping Plants Running Under RKAB Pressure: Ore Supply and Feedstock Risk.
• CEO Margin Dialogue: Surviving Low Prices and Cost Inflation
• What Buyers Will Pay For: 2026 Requirements for Indonesian Nickel Supply
• Getting Nickel Projects Financed in 2026: Bankability from the Lender’s View
• Powering Down Costs: How Captive Solar Changes Nickel Economics
• Offtake Deals That Survive a 30% Price Drop: Contracts That Work
• Nickel in the Battery Chain: Growth Platform or Structural Decline?

Day 2 – Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Theme: Bankability, Compliance & Strategic Adaptation

• Capital Discipline and the New Investment Standard for Indonesian Nickel
• Downstream Strategy in 2026: Which Processing Routes Still Make Money?
• No ESG, No Contract: Traceability Rules Shaping Nickel Sales
• Geopolitical Risk & Trade Exposure: Protecting Market Access
• From the Floor: Case Studies on Cost, Yield and Competitiveness
• Partnerships That Work: JVs, Alliances and Shared Risk Models
• 12 Month Agenda: What Indonesia’s Nickel Industry Must Prioritise