By Ranuh Rafiani Putri
Australia-listed nickel miner and processor Nickel Industries Limited has on Wednesday provided an update on its Excelsior Nickel Cobalt (ENC) high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) smelter and integrated nickel refinery under construction in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi.
The company announced that by the end of July 2025, the integrated nickel refinery will be ready to commence staged commissioning. However, to optimize working capital and align with the expected issuance of an industrial business license (Izin Usaha Industri, or IUI) from the government in Q1 2026, Nickel Industries has decided to delay the refinery’s early commissioning. This decision follows a strategic shift to focus on completing the ENC HPAL smelter and the associated sulphate circuit, which remains on track for the expected IUI issuance in early 2026.
The ENC HPAL smelter construction is progressing smoothly, with all key process equipment, including three autoclaves, now in place. Mechanical installations are underway, and pipe racking and bridges are being mounted for integrating steam, power, and product processes. As the quarter progresses, significant changes to the site’s layout are expected, including the completion of buildings such as the control room, power distribution facilities, and product packaging lines.
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At the refinery, the crystallizer workshop is nearing the installation of equipment necessary for producing nickel and cobalt sulphates, which are essential for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. These developments are expected to play a key role in Nickel Industries' transition to focusing on the EV battery supply chain, with production capabilities for mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), nickel sulphate, and nickel cathode.
Managing Director of Nickel Industries, Justin Werner, commented on the ongoing progress, saying, "We are pleased with the continued strong construction progress at the ENC Project. While early commissioning of the refinery could have commenced, we have chosen to defer this process to align with the anticipated receipt of the IUI in early 2026. Our current focus is on completing the smelter and sulphate circuit, setting the stage for full integration and commissioning towards the end of this year."
The ENC project is part of Nickel Industries’ transition to producing high-value nickel products for the EV market, aiming for an annual output of approximately 72,000 tonnes of nickel metal. This move will also contribute to the company’s sustainability goals by reducing its carbon emissions profile.
Nickel Industries is a significant player in Indonesia's nickel industry, with controlling interests in the Hengjaya Mine and several rotary kiln electric furnace (RKEF) projects. The company is positioning itself as a key supplier in the growing electric vehicle battery supply chain.
Editing by Alexander Ginting
