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Author: Dr. Ir. Muhammad Sonny Abfertiawan, S.T., M.T. Lecturer & Researcher, Expertise Group of Water and Wastewater Engineering Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
<hr>
At its core, mining is a paradox: humanity digs deep into the Earth to build the future, yet is often seen as damaging the very systems that sustain life.
In contrast, rivers flow gently and persistently&mdash;shaping valleys, sustaining ecosystems, offering life without taking. Where miners drill, rivers heal; where industry extracts, rivers remind us of sustainability
Philosophically, the relationship between mining and rivers often reflects the tension between anthropocentrism&mdash;the belief that nature exists for human use&mdash;and ecocentrism, which sees nature as having intrinsic value beyond its utility to humanity.
 
Mining embodies humanity’s Promethean impulse: to control, to reshape, and to extract. Rivers, on the other hand, symbolize a different kind of wisdom&mdash;the wisdom of adaptation, flow, and reciprocity.
 
When we mine thoughtlessly, we risk severing the ancient bond between humans and nature, reducing the Earth to a mere resource rather than a relationship. “Nature is not just raw material&mdash;it’s a structured, meaningful system,” said Aristotle (384 BC–322 BC).

The real question is: Can we mine ethically? Can we extract without disrupting the flow?
A sustainable future does not lie in halting extraction altogether, but in reshaping the conditions under which it occurs&mdash;with humility, restraint, and respect for systems older and wiser than ourselves. For Heraclitus (535 BC – 475 BC), the ancient Greek philosopher, wisdom lies in understanding the natural flow&mdash;not in attempting to dominate it.
A 4,000-kilometer journey from Bandung was undertaken by a research team from the Water and Wastewater Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, to Obi Island, home to Harita Nickel’s mining site.
To us, Obi Island in North Maluku is not just a point on the Indonesian map. It is a living space&mdash;a beautiful landscape embracing tropical forests, the clear flow of the Akelamo River, and a mineral-rich earth harboring nickel&mdash;a metal now at the heart of the global energy revolution.
We followed its course&mdash;from Lake Karo to where it meets the Maluku Sea. The Akelamo River flows with a spirited energy, its current swift and relentless, meandering across the land like a taut silver thread stretched over the earth.
 
Though not deep&mdash;its clear, rippling surface reveals ancient Pre-Tertiary to Quaternary rocks and minerals, as well as quick darting fish beneath&mdash;it stretches wide with generosity, embracing the riverbanks with open arms. It carries a voice: a soft, rushing whisper that echoes through the trees.
 
On both sides, the landscape unfolds in quiet majesty: tall grasses and trees sway rhythmically in the wind, while hills rise gently in the distance, standing like sentinels over the flowing stream.
Birds glided along the water’s edge, their wings catching the glint of sunlight, while small creatures danced across the surface as if carried by the river’s breath.
 
The air was fresh, tinged with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. This was not a deep or hidden river&mdash;it was a river that is present, moving, and beautiful. It does not boast; what it offers&mdash;moments of peace, scenes worth remembering, and a quiet reminder that even the gentlest water can shape a landscape with grace.
 
Though mining lies not far from its source, though trucks rumble along nearby roads and the land bears signs of human ambition, the river refuses to lose its soul.
 
It still sings. It still reflects the sky, cradles fish beneath its surface, and draws Ornithoptera aesacus butterflies to its banks. As if nature is offering us a second chance&mdash;a moment to pause and ask: What kind of future do we wish to shape here?
 
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is this: the river is still beautiful.
Because not all mining must end in destruction. There are those who have begun to listen&mdash;to the river, to communities, and to the Earth. They speak of Good Mining Practices: of reclamation and revegetation, of controlled runoff and waste management, of community engagement.
 
They design operations that respect buffer zones, monitor and manage water quality, and work not against the landscape, but with it. It is not perfect&mdash;but it is possible. And it is necessary.
 
The Promethean drive is not without criticism or ethical concerns. The growing spectrum of anthropogenic existential threats to human civilization and survival has prompted calls for a new framework of existential security&mdash;one that prioritizes the continuity of humanity (Sears, 2020).
 
Moreover, more than 1,700 scientists have warned of the potential consequences of unchecked environmental destruction, underscoring the urgent need for responsible stewardship of the Earth (Ripple et al., 2017).

Responsible mining practices are essential for preserving river ecosystems. With careful planning and the implementation of sustainable techniques, a balance between mining operations and healthy river systems can be achieved&mdash;one that benefits both industry and the environment.
 
Sustainability, therefore, is not the absence of change&mdash;but the presence of wisdom. It means choosing methods that minimize harm, restore what has been taken or damaged, and ensure that future generations, too, can sit by this river, hear its shimmering murmur, and feel gratitude&mdash;not sorrow.
 
The future of humanity does not have to stand in opposition to nature&mdash;it can be an extension of it. Our cities can be powered by clean energy built from responsibly mined materials. Our children can inherit both innovation and untouched forests, along with future forests growing on lands once mined.

A river can still run strong and clean&mdash;if we remember that progress without respect is merely another form of destruction. Stoic thinkers and philosophers like Zeno, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius believed in living in harmony with nature and accepting one’s place in the cosmos&mdash;a unified, rational, and living order governed by logos, the divine intelligence that structures the universe.
 
And the Akelamo River keeps flowing&mdash;wide, swift, shallow, clear, and beautiful&mdash;asking nothing from us except: To learn. To change. To care. To build a future where mining and rivers, machines and mountains, humanity and nature, can exist not in conflict&mdash;but in warm conversation, perhaps over a cup of Ternate’s spiced coffee.
 
A future where the river still sings the song of life, not of loss. And from the Akelamo River, on Obi Island, we have learned that&mdash;bringing it home to the city of Bandung, as a story, and as knowledge drawn from the wisdom of the Creator’s natural design.

Akelamo River: Where Human-Nature Harmony Inspires Responsible Mining

Harita Nickel's commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices has earned appreciation from various parties. The Coordinator of the Mining Advocacy Consortium (KATAM) for North Maluku, Muhlis Ibrahim, stated that the presence of the integrated nickel mining and downstream processing company operating on Obi Island has made a positive contribution to the region’s economic growth.
This statement was made after his visit to the Harita Nickel site in Kawasi Village, Obi District, South Halmahera Regency, from April 19 to 21, 2025.

“I see a lot of changes compared to my last visit in 2022. Most notably, infrastructure development. This has significantly narrowed the infrastructure gap between villages and shortened the long economic chain,” said the mining practitioner.

During his second visit, one of the things that caught his attention was Harita Nickel’s Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM) through the Community Entrepreneurship Unit (UNIKK). It was recorded that the turnover from seven Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)&mdash;consisting of 42 local residents from two villages surrounding the company's operations&mdash;reached IDR 5 billion per year. These business units, primarily managed by housewives, operate in the culinary sector, ranging from supplying snacks to processing derivative products from nutmeg and soybeans, to managing cafés and mini-markets within the company’s area.

<img alt="20042025 hn corcom site visit katam c1 c 74 11zon" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/20042025_HN_Corcom_Site Visit KATAM_C1_C_74_11zon.jpg" title="20042025 hn corcom site visit katam c1 c 74 11zon">
<figcaption>KATAM Chairman, Muhlis Ibrahim, visiting Nyala Cafe, one of Harita Nickel’s community partner businesses, run by housewives from villages surrounding its operations on Obi Island.</figcaption>

“The company not only equips residents with knowledge but also provides access to markets. Now, it's up to the community whether they want to seize this opportunity or not. Clearly, those who joined the company’s supported groups have already felt the benefits,” he explained.

During his visit, Muhlis also visited the new Kawasi Village settlement firsthand. He expressed his support for the resettlement of residents, as the old village, surrounded by the company's operational activities, was no longer safe for residents’ health and well-being. According to him, the South Halmahera Regency Government’s program, fully supported by Harita Nickel, to provide better housing with more complete facilities, is the right policy.

“Let’s not allow the community to become victims, used as a tool for conflict. As long as the old settlement remains, it will continue to be exploited to attack the company, with narratives portraying poverty and slum conditions in the midst of a thriving industrial area,” he emphasized, dismissing accusations that he said were not aligned with facts on the ground.

To those who remain skeptical of Harita Nickel, Muhlis encouraged them to visit and see firsthand the progress and initiatives carried out by the company. According to him, Harita Nickel is very open to receiving input.

Muhlis invites parties who are still skeptical towards Harita Nickel's commitment to stay in touch and establish good communication with the company. On the other hand, he also asked the company to open space for the community to convey input.

“For me, it is important that the company is more transparent regarding environmental management patterns, because this is a very sexy issue. The most dominant issue in every mining activity is environmental issues. So it's just a matter of how to be more open to explain to the public,” said the mining lecturer.

<img alt="20042025 hn corcom site visit katam c1 c 65 11zon" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/20042025_HN_Corcom_Site Visit KATAM_C1_C_65_11zon.jpg" title="20042025 hn corcom site visit katam c1 c 65 11zon">
<figcaption>Muhlis Ibrahim refers to the Tuguraci 2 area, covering 43 hectares within Harita Nickel’s operational area, as the most complete and largest mine runoff water management facility in North Maluku.</figcaption>

In addition to social aspects, Muhlis said Harita Nickel's commitment to environmental sustainability is in accordance with its practices in the field. He gave an example of the company's efforts in managing mine runoff water by preparing as many as 52 settling ponds. One of them is Tuguraci 2, the largest pond with an area of 43 hectares. These ponds are monitored regularly to ensure the water has met quality standards before being released to environmental bodies.&nbsp;

“Harita Nickel is a key asset for North Maluku. Let’s support them by continuously monitoring their commitment so that investment activities can proceed smoothly,” he said.

Concluding his visit, Muhlis expressed his appreciation for Harita Nickel’s consistent application of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across its operations. He also hoped that Harita Nickel would set an example for other companies investing in North Maluku.
Watch the visit of KATAM Coordinator Muhlis Ibrahim to Harita Nickel site in Obi <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80gc6JXkgZQ" target="_blank">here</a>.

KATAM Urges Obi Residents to Support Harita Nickel as North Maluku’s Key Asset

The commitment of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk or Harita Nickel to support the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles in its mining operations and nickel downstreaming on Obi Island, received positive appreciation from the central government.&nbsp;
Unmitigated, the appreciation was conveyed by three ministries at once. Namely the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves), the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Appreciation was conveyed when a team from the three ministries made a working visit to the Harita Nickel site on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku, in May 2023.

<img alt="Visit salam kawasi" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/Visit Salam Kawasi.jpg" title="Visit salam kawasi">
<figcaption>The team from Kemenko Marves, KKP and KLHK visited Salam Kawasi, an integrated agricultural learning center provided by Harita Nickel for the Obi community.</figcaption>

 
Fatma Puspitasari, Coordinator of Forest Utilization and Conservation Control at the Ministry, said that companies that prioritize ESG principles in their business practices and investments will integrate the principles of environmental conservation, social responsibility and good governance.&nbsp;

After reviewing directly to the Harita Nickel operational site, according to him, various Social and Environmental Responsibility (TSJL) activities that have been carried out by Harita Nickel and several of its subsidiaries operating on Obi Island are in line with ESG principles.&nbsp;

He gave an example of activities oriented towards environmental conservation including mangrove ecosystem maintenance programs, and coral reef transplantation. Social activities include empowering SMEs, strengthening the agricultural sector, and supporting the improvement of the quality of education for children on Obi Island.

<img alt="Umkm obi" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/UMKM Obi.jpg" title="Umkm obi">
<figcaption>Products from MSMEs assisted by Harita Nickel are purchased by the company for its employee canteen needs.</figcaption>

“Regarding environmental management around the site, Harita Nickel's commitment to running an environmentally sustainable business is emphasized by signing a Joint Agreement and Cooperation Agreement with the Coordinating Ministry for Marves, KLHK and KKP in encouraging the achievement of the national mangrove rehabilitation target,” he said.

Before signing the mangrove rehabilitation cooperation with the government in 2022, he said, the company had carried out similar activities by cooperating with Khairun Ternate University and at the same time empowering local communities.

From the monitoring conducted, it is known that the mangrove land that has been rehabilitated by Harita Nickel since 2021 until mid-2023 is 23.73 ha. The locations are spread across four points in South Halmahera Regency, including Soligi Village in Obi District, Awango Village and Belang-Belang in Bacan District and Guruapin Village in Kayoa District.

Restoration Coordinator at the Directorate of Coastal and Small Island Utilization, Directorate of Marine Spatial Management, KKP, Hery Gunawan Daulay emphasized the importance of mangroves for marine ecology. It is said, mangroves function as a buffer zone or buffer area to protect coastal areas from damage.

He gave appreciation to Harita Nickel and encouraged the ongoing program to maintain the mangrove land area from year to year.&nbsp;

In addition to appreciating the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, teams from the three ministries also gave appreciation for the company's efforts to carry out community empowerment activities around its operations. One of them is the SME mentoring program carried out by the company in Kawasi and Soligi Villages.

"One of the interesting things is SME development through training in tofu and tempeh making. Due to the remote distance, good tempeh is difficult to obtain. Local residents are trained to make tempeh by utilizing soybeans grown in the village fields and the products are purchased by the company for employee consumption," explained Fatma, calling this program a real benefit for local residents.

<img alt="Kunjungan sekolah obi" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/Kunjungan Sekolah Obi.jpg" title="Kunjungan sekolah obi">
<figcaption>The team from Kemenko Marves, KKP and KLHK discussed with teachers when visiting schools in Soligi Village, one of the nearby villages Harita Nickel's operations on Obi Island.</figcaption>

The team also visited schools in the villages surrounding Harita Nickel's operations.&nbsp; It can be seen that educational facilities and infrastructure for children on Obi Island, which is one of the 3T areas, are still limited. The team also gave appreciation for the support that has been provided by the company. Including school infrastructure improvement assistance and incentives for teachers.

Various activities that have been carried out by Harita Nickel in an effort to carry out its environmental and social responsibilities, are proof of the company's commitment to sustainable business governance according to ESG principles.

“Of course this is also an added value for Harita Nickel as a public company,” said Fatma from Kemenko Marves, agreed by other personnel.

Meanwhile, HSE Director of Harita Nickel, Tonny H Gultom said the company is committed to implementing sustainable governance in all aspects of its operations. According to him, the ESG principle is an important consideration in the company's long-term plan in carrying out the downstream mandate of the Indonesian government.

The three ESG principles covering environment, social and governance are integrated into the company's business strategy and operational activities. In addition, the company also plays an active role in various Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) programs around its operational areas.&nbsp; The focus of the PPM program includes development in the fields of economy, health, education, socio-culture and infrastructure.

Kemenko Marves Named Harita Nickel an Eco and Social Impact Mining Company

M. Candra Wirawan A, PhD
 Academic and Environmental Researcher
Academic and researcher at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and the Center for Environment and Sustainability Science at Universitas Padjadjaran. He has over 15 years of experience in research and international collaboration in coastal ecosystems and sustainable environmental management.
After a journey of more than 24 hours, involving various modes of land, sea, and air transportation, we finally arrived on Obi Island. That night was the first time I had ever set foot on Obi Island &mdash; and my first visit to North Maluku.
One side of the island was brightly lit under the dark Maluku night sky. The bright lights came from the facilities of Harita Nickel’s mining operations. Besides mining, the company also processes nickel into ferronickel, nickel sulfate, and cobalt sulfate.
 
Large-scale mining operations, with all their processes, always raise concerns about serious environmental damage to the natural beauty of Indonesia, particularly in North Maluku.
 
That morning, we from Universitas Padjadjaran had the opportunity to directly observe the mining activities. Giant mining equipment had indeed altered the landscape on one side of Obi Island due to ongoing extraction. However, we also witnessed how post-mining sites were being reclaimed and reforested after operations concluded.
 
Open-pit mines raise another concern during periods of heavy rainfall: large volumes of water can carry sediment that impacts the waters of Obi Island, which are rich in coral reefs and fish resources vital to the local community.
 
To prevent and mitigate these concerns, large sedimentation ponds have been constructed to ensure that water and sediment are properly contained, and the processed water from mining can be reused. Additionally, nickel slag&mdash;leftover from the processing&mdash;has been successfully repurposed as building material and even used to create artificial reef formations that have become homes for marine life around the island.
 
We then moved on to the newly built settlement in Kawasi Village, developed for the people of Obi. The village includes school buildings. We saw cheerful schoolchildren in uniforms, just like kids across Indonesia.
 
<img alt="Cahaya langit senja dan keindahan panorama pulau obi" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/Cahaya Langit Senja dan Keindahan Panorama Pulau Obi.jpg" style="float: left; width: 216px; height: 289px; margin: 0px 20px 20px 0px;" title="Cahaya langit senja dan keindahan panorama pulau obi" width="216" height="289">On another side of the village, the company has built an agricultural demonstration center for the community, featuring various vegetable and fruit crops. In addition, several round ponds have been established to demonstrate tilapia fish farming. Livestock pens also complement this model area, forming an integrated agricultural zone that also produces organic fertilizer.
To conclude our visit to Obi Island, various environmental care initiatives were openly discussed among employees.
 
That evening, the discussion focused on plastic waste&mdash;as plastic pollution was identified as a potentially serious problem if not properly managed on Obi Island. All Insan Harita&mdash;as Harita Nickel employees are called&mdash;on Obi Island understand this as a shared issue that must be addressed together.
 
Though there are concerns, the story from Obi also brings hope. Hope that is carried by many individuals committed to ensuring the environment can be enjoyed and passed on to future generations of Obi.
 
Salam Harita&mdash;every visit brings a new story. We will return to Obi to write the next chapter.

Environmental Story from Obi Island

You have probably heard that nickel is one of the essential raw materials commonly used in electric vehicle batteries. But what exactly is the function of nickel in nickel batteries? In this article, we will take a closer look – from the basic function of these batteries to the role nickel plays in the process.&nbsp;<h2>How Batteries Work</h2>
A battery is a device that can convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries are widely used in mobile electronic equipment such as cellphones, laptops, flashlights, and now in electric vehicles (EV).
Batteries come in a range of shapes, sizes, and raw materials, depending on their power requirements and the devices for which they are intended. In general, batteries consist of one anode (negative pole), one cathode (positive pole), and an electrolyte.
A typical battery’s operational process can be split into two main phases, namely the discharging and the charging phases:<h4>1. Discharging&nbsp;</h4>
When not in use, electrons in the battery are collected at the negative pole (anode), while cations (a positively charged ion) are collected at the positive pole (cathode). When the battery is installed in an electronic device, the electrons will move towards the positive pole (cathode), while the cations simultaneously move towards the negative pole (anode).
During this phase of the process, electrons pass through the circuit of the device you are using, which supplies the device with the electrical charge it needs to function.
<h4>2. Charging</h4>
When there are no more electrons that can be moved from the negative pole (anode) to the positive pole (cathode), the battery can no longer power the electronic device. This is commonly called a "dead battery".
However, in rechargeable batteries, this process can be reversed. When electricity is passed through the battery, the electrons move back through the circuit to the negative pole (anode), while the cations move back to the positive pole (cathode) through the electrolyte. This means the battery can be reused. 
<h2>The Function of Nickel in Batteries</h2>
Now that we understand how batteries work, a question arises: What role does nickel play in this process? Nickel is widely used as a raw material for the positive pole (cathode) of batteries. It is usually combined with other metals such as manganese and cobalt, thereby becoming a nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) battery. This alloy plays a pivotal role in transporting electrons from the negative pole (anode).
So what makes nickel the raw material of choice for battery cathodes? Put simply, nickel has a greater capacity to bond with more cations than other metals, which facilitates more electron movement when the battery is used. This gives nickel batteries the ability to store significantly more energy than equivalent batteries made from alternative materials.
In addition, nickel batteries are also a more popular choice because they tend to have a longer life cycle than other options. Even when their service life has expired they can still be recycled to retrieve the nickel, which can then be processed into new batteries. 
<h2>Harita Nickel’s Role in the EV Battery Ecosystem</h2>
Harita Nickel is the first company in Indonesia that is capable of processing nickel ore into mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), along with nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate; products that can be processed into electric vehicle batteries.
Harita Nickel currently has six high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) production lines, with a combined production capacity of 120,000 tons of nickel per year. Three of these production lines are operated by PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (PT HPL), while PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (PT ONC) operates a further three. This makes Harita Nickel the largest nickel sulfate factory in the world.

What is the Function of Nickel in Electric Vehicle Batteries?

Nickel is one of the world’s most essential natural resources. With its ability to resist corrosion and withstand heat, nickel is an essential component in the manufacture of stainless steel. It also has excellent capacity for electrical energy storage, which makes nickel a viable raw material for the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles (EV).
Indonesia is home to the largest nickel reserves in the world. According to data from the<a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024.pdf"> 2024 Mineral Commodity Summaries</a> issued by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Indonesia has nickel reserves of 55 million metric tons. This wealth of resources means Indonesia has the potential to be a major player in the global nickel market, and a driving force in the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.

Indonesia actually constitutes 42.3 percent of the world's total nickel reserves. In second place is Australia, with nickel reserves estimated at around 24 million metric tons. With that in mind, it is essential for us to understand more about nickel, and its potential to be one of Indonesia's major export commodities. 

<h2>What is Nickel?
</h2>
Nickel is a silvery-white, shiny, and corrosion-resistant metallic element, represented in the periodic table by the Ni symbol and with an atomic number of 28. Nickel is the fifth most common metal found in the world, in mineral deposits embedded in the Earth's crust.

Nickel has a number of<a href="https://byjus.com/chemistry/nickel/"> physical and chemical properties</a> that make it especially useful (and relatively sustainable). These properties include:

1. High boiling point (1,453 degrees Celsius) 2. Resistance to corrosion and oxidation 3. Malleability, without compromising durability 4. Magnetism at room temperature 5. Heat resistance 6. Electrical conductivity 7. Can be recycled 
<h2>A History of Nickel
</h2>

<img alt="Cropped axel fredrik cronstedt" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/cropped-axel_fredrik_cronstedt.jpg" style="width: 483px; height: 302px; display: block; margin: auto;" width="483" height="302" title="Cropped axel fredrik cronstedt">
<figcaption class="text-center">Swedish chemist, Axel Cronstedt</figcaption>

Nickel has been around for a long time. It was first recorded in the 1400s, when German miners discovered a reddish-brown substance, which they believed to be a kind of copper ore. However, it transpired that this ‘copper’ was strangely difficult to extract from the ore; a source of frustration that led them to name the material "<a href="https://nickelinstitute.org/en/nickel-applications/history-of-nickel/">kupfernickel</a>", a Saxon word meaning "devil's copper".

It was not until 1751 that a Swedish chemist, Axel Cronstedt, identified nickel as a distinct metal, not copper as was initially believed. Then, in the 19th century, nickel began to grow in popularity as a metal coating or metal alloy because of its strong, rust-resistant, and heat-resistant properties. In 1857, the United States began using nickel in the production of coins.

In 1912, British scientist Harry Brearly created a stainless steel which incorporated a nickel alloy that gave it additional rust-resistant properties. To this day, nickel is most widely used as an alloy in the production of stainless steel.

Research on the use of nickel is still ongoing. Now nickel is also used as a precursor raw material for batteries, because of its capacity for effective and efficient energy storage. Looking to the future, nickel is expected to become even more integral to technological development. 

<h2>The Utilization of Nickel
</h2>
 <img alt="Woman charging her electric car station" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/woman-charging-her-electric-car-station.jpg">
Nickel is now used as a raw material for electric vehicle batteries.
With its rust- and oxidation-resistant properties, nickel is particularly well-suited to conducting electricity. As a result, <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/media/kabar-obi/highlight/ini-dia-kegunaan-dan-manfaat-nikel-dalam-kehidupan-sehari-hari" target="_blank">nickel has a number of useful applications</a> in daily life. Here are just a few of them:

<h5>1. Stainless steel alloy
</h5>
As mentioned above, nickel is a raw material commonly used in stainless steel; one of the most ubiquitous materials in the world, used in everything from cutlery and cars to surgical implements in the medical sector.
Nickel is perfectly suited to stainless steel because it displays excellent flexibility at both low and high temperatures, especially compared to iron, which is comparatively brittle and prone to failure at low temperatures.

Currently, stainless steel with a nickel alloy dominates 80 percent of the stainless steel market. The two most<a href="https://www.unifiedalloys.com/blog/304-316-stainless#:~:text=Most%20stainless%20steel%20ordered%20around,resistance%20to%20chlorides%20and%20acids."> popular types of stainless steel</a>, namely type 304 and type 316, both contain nickel.

<h5>2. Raw Materials in Batteries
</h5>
Nickel batteries are chosen because of their impressive electrical storage capacity, along with their ability to conduct electricity. As a result, nickel performs brilliantly as a cathode in batteries. Nickel was first used for this purpose back in the 1980s, in nickel cadmium (NiCD) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Nickel-based battery technologies continue to evolve. Currently, nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, which contain around 80 percent nickel, are the two types of batteries most widely used in electric vehicles.

<h5>3. Electroplating
</h5>
Electroplating is a metal coating process using electric current and certain chemical compounds to create a metal coating. This imbues the surface of a material with the physical and chemical properties of the coating, thereby enabling it to conduct electricity better, or making it more rust resistant.

Nickel is one of the metals often used for this purpose, helping materials become more rust- and wear-resistant, while also giving them a more attractive appearance. This is especially beneficial to the automotive and electronics industries. 

<h2>In Summary
</h2>
Nickel is a metal alloy that has iron and non-iron properties, which endow it with many benefits and uses. Indonesia is home to the world’s largest nickel reserves, meaning nickel has great potential to contribute to the prosperity of the nation.

To utilize nickel and explore its full potential, Harita Nickel is a nickel mining and processing company operating on Obi Island, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province. In addition to mining nickel ore, Harita Nickel has a smelter facility that can process raw nickel ore into ferronickel, which is a raw material used in the production of stainless steel.

Harita Nickel also has a refining facility that can process low-grade nickel ore (limonite), which would otherwise be discarded, into mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) and nickel sulfate. These raw materials are the main components for cathodes in EV batteries.

In carrying out its activities, Harita Nickel continually strives to implement the principles of good corporate governance (GCG), with special emphasis on<a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/sustainability/climate-change/biodiversity"> environmental sustainability</a>. Moreover, Harita Nickel endeavors to<a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/sustainability/climate-change/biodiversity"> deliver positive impacts to residents</a> in the vicinity of the company’s operational areas and citizens of Indonesia in general.

This all forms part of Harita Nickel's wider commitment to contribute to the nation's progress and build a more sustainable, more prosperous future based around nickel.

Get to Know Nickel Better: Definition, History, and Benefits

As part of the 2025 National Occupational Safety and Health Month (Bulan K3/OSH Month), Harita Nickel organized a discussion titled “Disaster Management in the Obi Island Nickel Industry”. The event aligned with this year’s theme, “Strengthening Human Resource Capacity to Support the Implementation of the OSH Management System (SMK3),” reaffirming Harita Nickel’s commitment to safety and operational sustainability in the high-risk mining and smelting industries.
This initiative, spearheaded by Harita Nickel–Lygend Resources business units, featured disaster management expert Prof. Dra. Fatma Lestari, M.Si., Ph.D, who serves as Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction Center (DRRC) at the University of Indonesia and Vice Chair of the National Occupational Safety and Health Council (DK3N). Prof. Fatma highlighted that disaster management is a crucial component of SMK3, as mandated by Government Regulation No. 50/2012.

She emphasized that SMK3 is essential for managing both external risks such as natural disasters and internal risks from industrial operations. The challenge is that 57% of industries in Indonesia are located in areas with moderate disaster risk, while 43% are in high-risk zones. Therefore, understanding potential risks is the first step toward disaster preparedness.
<img alt="08022025 hn bincang k3 2025 100 11zon" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/08022025_HN_Bincang K3 2025_100_11zon.jpg"> 
“Indonesia is rich in natural resources, but it also faces high disaster risks. The first thing we need to do is understand the potential risks&mdash;whether they come from natural disasters or from within our operations,“ said Prof. Fatma Lestari. She added that this aligns with the theme of this year’s National OSH Month.

The indicators used in measuring the success of SMK3 implementation include lagging indicators such as the number of work accidents, leading indicators which include training and inspections, and importantly organizational indicators which include the commitment of company management.&nbsp;

“Harita Nickel is already on the right track. In addition to having obtained certification in the field of K3, Harita Nickel also continues to increase the capacity of its employees in the implementation of SMK3,” said Prof. Fatma, while mentioning that the DRRC UI team was involved in the preparation of disaster management studies in Harita Nickel's operational area.

Harita Nickel’s Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Supriyanto Suwarno, stated that the company’s commitment to workplace safety has been recognized by the international certification body SGS Indonesia. This is reflected in the ISO 45001:2018 certification awarded to three of its nickel processing and refining units&mdash;PT Halmahera Persada Lygend, PT Halmahera Jaya Feronickel, and PT Megah Surya Pertiwi&mdash;as well as to its mining operations under PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk.<img alt="08022025 hn bincang k3 2025 152 11zon" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/08022025_HN_Bincang K3 2025_152_11zon.jpg"> 
“The company’s commitment to safety can only be successful with the support of all Harita employees,” said Supriyanto. He encouraged employees to follow safety rules, join training sessions, stay alert to potential hazards, report any risks they see, and help educate the community about disaster preparedness. Supriyanto also expressed his appreciation to all Harita employees who took part in the National OSH Month activities.

To commemorate National OSH Month 2025, Harita Nickel’s business units have organized various activities, including sports competitions, First Aid training, safety driving workshops, OSH seminars, and community service initiatives. With the shared spirit of #SatuHaritaSalingMenjaga, this year’s OSH Month serves as a momentum to strengthen SMK3 implementation and support long-term productivity and sustainability.

Harita Nickel Collaborates with University of Indonesia to Improve Disaster Mitigation in the Nickel Industry

Nickel is a commodity that is currently a hot topic for industries around the world. With its combination of strength and malleability, it can be combined relatively easily with other metals – such as steel, to become stainless steel – while its capacity to store large amounts of energy also makes it an essential raw material in the production of batteries. And yet, despite its ubiquity, utility, and its importance to global markets, the world’s largest producers of nickel remain something of a mystery.
In this article, we reveal the five largest nickel-producing countries in the world today, according to data from the <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024.pdf">United States Geological Survey in 2023</a>.

<h2>1. Indonesia
</h2>
Few people are aware that Indonesia is the largest nickel-producing country in the world. In 2023 alone, Indonesia produced 1.8 million metric tons of nickel, or around 50 percent of the world's nickel supply. Indonesia’s nickel reserves are mostly found in eastern areas of the archipelago, such as South and Southeast Sulawesi, Morowali, and North Maluku.

Initially, Indonesia only produced nickel ore for export. However, nickel mining companies in Indonesia are now beginning to develop more advanced nickel processing facilities. One of the companies leading the way in this field is Harita Nickel.

Harita Nickel is the first company in Indonesia to successfully implement High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) technology and produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), nickel sulfate, and cobalt sulfate. Currently, Harita Nickel has no fewer than six HPAL production lines, with a total capacity of 120,000 tons of nickel per year; three of these production lines are operated by PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPL), while three more are run by PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (ONC).

At present, Harita Nickel also has three nickel processing lines which use the HPAL method and are capable of producing 55,000 tons of nickel content in the form of MHP annually (MHP is the raw material used to make the cathodes in electric vehicle batteries).

In addition, Harita Nickel also has 12 nickel processing lines that use the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) method, with the capacity to produce 120,000 tons of nickel content per year in the form of ferronickel.

<h2>2. Philippines
</h2>
The world’s second-largest nickel-producing country is the Philippines – Indonesia’s neighbor produced 400,000 metric tons of nickel in 2023. <a href="https://www.mining-technology.com/data-insights/nickel-in-the-philippines/?cf-view">Nickel in the Philippines</a> is mostly found in Palawan Province, Surigao del Norte Province, Surigao del Sur Province, and the Dinagat Islands.

In 2022, the Philippines exported raw nickel worth an estimated USD 1.29 billion where the majority of this raw nickel was <a href="https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/nickel-ore/reporter/phl">exported</a> to South Korea, Japan, and China.

The Philippines currently plans to follow in Indonesia's footsteps, by boosting its nickel down streaming capabilities. In 2024, the Philippines announced plans to add three more nickel processing facilities, which would bring the total number up to five.

<h2>3. New Caledonia
</h2>
Who would have thought that a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, New Caledonia, is one of the largest nickel-producing countries in the world? And yet, in 2023, New Caledonia successfully produced 230,000 metric tons of nickel, representing an increase from the previous year of around 200,000 metric tons.

Nickel mining in New Caledonia began in the 19th century, when the region was still a French colony. Then, in 1971, New Caledonia became the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_mining_in_New_Caledonia">second-largest nickel producer in the world</a> at that time, partly due to demand associated with the Vietnam War.

<h2>4. Russia
</h2>
In 2023, Russia produced 200,000 metric tons of nickel, although this figure was lower than the previous year (222,000 metric tons). Nevertheless, Russia can still claim to be one of the world’s largest nickel producers.

Russia has long been recognized <a href="https://www.mysteel.net/market-insights/5052439-lme-abandoning-russia-nickel-a-potential-boost-for-domestic-nickel-brands">as one of the most prolific global producers</a> of processed nickel. In 2023, Russia supplied 154,300 tons of nickel that traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME), thereby becoming the second-largest supplier in the world at that time, second only to China.

<h2>5. Canada
</h2>
Canada is currently the world's fifth-biggest nickel producer. In 2023, Canada produced 180,000 metric tons of nickel. Ontario is the largest nickel producing province in Canada, followed by Quebec, New Foundland, and Labrador.

Canada has three nickel refining facilities, which are located in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; Sudbury, Ontario; and Long Harbor, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Currently, Canada is developing a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/canada-nickel-plans-raise-1-billion-nickel-processing-plant-2024-02-08/">nickel sulfate and cobalt production facility in Ontario</a>, along with a lithium-ion battery recycling facility.

The United States is the main market for Canadian nickel. In 2022, as much as 40 percent of <a href="https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-and-analysis/minerals-metals-facts/nickel-facts/20519">Canada's nickel exports</a> were sent to Uncle Sam, while around 12 percent of the rest went to China.

 The Five Largest Nickel-producing Countries in the World

From electric vehicle batteries to stainless steel, nickel is a metal with <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/media/kabar-obi/highlight/ini-dia-kegunaan-dan-manfaat-nikel-dalam-kehidupan-sehari-hari" target="_blank" rel="noopener">important applications</a> in a variety of modern technologies. In Indonesia, Harita Nickel plays a key role in maximizing added value through a range of <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/sustainability/about-sustainability" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainable</a>&nbsp;nickel processing methods.
In this article, we will discuss the two main nickel processing methods utilized by Harita Nickel, namely Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) and High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL).
<h2>1. Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF)</h2>
<img style="width: 635px; height: 305px; display: block; margin: auto;" title="2 eng rkef" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/2_ Eng_ RKEF.jpg" alt="2 eng rkef" width="635" height="305">
Saprolite ore processing using Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace technology

RKEF is a method that is often used to process high-grade nickel ore (saprolite nickel ore). It works by using intense heat to convert nickel ore into ferronickel, which can then be used in the manufacture of stainless steel.
The RKEF nickel processing process comprises several stages:
a. Separation of Nickel Ore First, pieces of nickel ore larger than 2 cm are isolated.
b. Drying Next, the nickel ore is dried using a rotary dryer at temperatures of 200-300 degrees Celsius. This process reduces the water content from around 40 to 20 percent.
c. Calcination After that, the nickel ore is heated again, this time in a rotary kiln, to temperatures of 700-750 degrees Celsius, in order to remove any unnecessary elements.
d. Smelting The heated ore is then melted in an electric furnace at a temperature of 1,600 degrees Celsius, in order to remove impurities from the ferronickel.
e. Molding Finally, the molten ferronickel is molded into ingots and is ready to be transported for use in the steel industry.
Currently, Harita Nickel has 12 RKEF production lines, with a total capacity of up to 120,000 tons of nickel per year.
<h2>2. High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL)</h2>
<img style="width: 704px; height: 338px; display: block; margin: auto;" title="4 eng hpal" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/4_ Eng_ HPAL.jpg" alt="4 eng hpal" width="704" height="338">
Limonite ore processing using High Pressure Acid Leaching technology

HPAL is a more complicated method and is normally used to process low-grade nickel ore, or limonite, which was previously considered to have no economic value and was therefore discarded as overburden. HPAL technology uses concentrated sulfuric acid, along with high temperatures and pressures, to extract nickel from its ore.
Below are the stages of the HPAL process:
a. Ore Washing Limonite nickel ore is washed and separated from rocks and impurities to make slurr
b. Thickening Process This slurry is then thickened until its solid content reaches 45 percent.
c. Leaching Next, the slurry is piped into a pressure vessel, commonly called an Autoclave, as part of the extraction process. In this Autoclave, the slurry undergoes special treatment by mixing concentrated sulfuric acid, which is heated to temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius, and subjected to high pressures (50 bar) that are equivalent to pressures found on the seafloor at a depth of 500 meters. After that, all the materials are stirred by the agitator machine in the Autoclave, allowing nickel to dissolve in the acid and the other materials to settle at the bottom.
d. Separation The liquid containing nickel is then separated from the slurry residue in seven counter current decantation (CCD) tanks.
e. Purification After that, the Aluminum–Iron separation process (also referred to as the FeAl removal process) is carried out, before the nickel liquid is further processed to produce a mixture of nickel and cobalt known as Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP). MHP can be further refined at PT HPAL's new facility, the Nickel Sulfate and Cobalt Sulfate Plant, to produce nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate that can be used for various technologies and products, including the raw materials for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.&nbsp;
<h2>Harita Nickel</h2>
Harita Nickel is the first company in Indonesia to successfully operate HPAL technology and produce MHP, nickel sulfate, and cobalt sulfate. Currently, Harita Nickel has six HPAL production lines with a combined capacity of 120,000 tons of nickel per year, operated by PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (PT HPL) and PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (PT ONC), each of which is responsible for three production lines.
<cite>This article has been reviewed by Deputy Head of the Technical Support Department at PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel, Agung Aribowo; and the Technical Support Manager of PT Halmahera Persada Lygend, Dian Kristiyanto.</cite><script src="https://cdn.flmngr.com/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN" data-ts="1784684720538"></script>

Let’s Explore: Nickel Processing at Harita Nickel

A surprising response was delivered by local journalists in South Halmahera Regency. The media crew who used to produce news, claimed to be amazed after seeing firsthand the Harita Nickel operational area at the Obi site.
Journalists from various media in South Halmahera appreciated Harita Nickel's commitment to sustainable mining practices and integrated nickel processing technology. Not only applying efficient technology, the company also integrates its operations with programs oriented to the welfare of the surrounding community.
 
As stated by Husni Saban, a journalist from Saruma News. According to him, technology adopted by the company along with efforts made to minimize environmental impacts, is a tangible manifestation of the company's commitment that is not only written on paper. 
“Here we can see an extraordinary industry where all operations are integrated from one to another,” he said.
 
Similarly, Wendi Wambes, a journalist from Kalesang, appreciated the company for employing many local workers from North Maluku.&nbsp; 
“With 85 percent of employees coming from Indonesia and among them, 50 percent are local workers from North Maluku, of course it is an extraordinary effort made by the company,” he explained.
 
As reported, journalists from eight local media in South Halmahera Regency visited the Harita Nickel operational area at the Obi site, on Monday, February 26, 2024. Among them include Halmahera Post, Kalesang, Lensa Malut, Rakyatmu, News Gapi, Saruma News, Mimbar Timur, and Indo Timur.
 
From the visit, journalists were able to see firsthand how the company operates from upstream to downstream. Starting from mining, nickel processing plants, efforts to control environmental impacts to the Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) program that engages the surrounding residents of the company's operations.
 
As a result of the visit, the media crew also gained a broader perspective on integrated mining and nickel processing technology. More importantly, they were able to ascertain how the company's commitments work in practice on the ground.

South Halmahera Journalists Appreciate Sustainable Downstream Practices at Harita Nickel