Developing Story
Indonesia's Potential Nickel Smelter Moratorium
Indonesia is reportedly considering a moratorium on new nickel smelter construction to address oversupply, a move that could significantly disrupt Chinese investment in the country's critical minerals sector.
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Indonesia is reportedly weighing a moratorium on new nickel smelters that produce semi-finished nickel products, aiming to curb global overproduction and protect local industries amid a supply glut that has driven down commodity prices, according to state news agency Antara, citing energy and mineral resources minister Bahlil Lahadalia (SCMP, October 10). Chinese investors could face significant disruption across Indonesia's minerals sector if the freeze is imposed, analysts said (SCMP, October 10).
## Why it matters
Indonesia holds the world's largest nickel reserves and has become central to global battery and EV supply chains, with heavy Chinese investment in its smelting capacity. A moratorium would mark a significant shift in resource nationalism policy with direct consequences for Chinese firms, global nickel pricing, and EV battery supply chains.