APNI wants fair nickel pricing

By Tri Subhki R

 

The Indonesia Nickel Trader Association (or better known here as APNI) calls for fair nickel ore pricing as there has been wide price gap between nickel ores for export and nickel ores for domestic smelter industry.

Insmerda Lebang, the newly-elected APNI's Chairman, said that he wants to immediately evaluate all challenges in the nickel mining industry, including the pricing.

"We want to provide benefits for the state and all stakeholders," Insmerda said on Wednesday.

Risono, Vice Chairman II, and Petrus Tjandra, Head of Commercial Division, added that the current challenge is the unfair nickel ore pricing.

"It does not make any sense that the nickel ore price for export is higher than nickel ore price for local market. It gives too much benefits for smelter developers," Risono said.

Petrus voiced the same concern that the price disparity may hamper the sustainability of small nickel miners. "We are not asking for privilege from the government, but we only want equal treatment," he said.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ Director of Mineral Development Yunus Saefulhak wants APNI and government to be partners and discuss any challenge faced by industry players.

"We understand that miners should be able to have economically viable operations because it will guarantee good mining practices," he said at the inauguration ceremony of APNI's new chairmanship.

 

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak