Production at Weda Bay Nickel Faces Temporary Halt by May

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) through its parent company Eramet Indonesia has stated that the company’s nickel production in North Maluku will only run until mid-May 2026. While submitting a revision to the company’s Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for this year, mining activities will be temporarily halted for maintenance and upkeep.

“The request for revision of the production quota increase is currently being submitted by PT Weda Bay Nickel (PT WBN), following the initial RKAB approval which was limited to 12 million wet metric tonnes of nickel ore for 2026, where production will be achieved by mid-May; the mine is preparing to be placed on Care and Maintenance in May, awaiting this revision,” the management wrote in Eramet’s official report, quoted on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

Eramet Group CEO Christel Bories explained that the company is currently applying for a revision to increase the production quota from the government. They are awaiting an official decision on the additional production volume so that the nickel mining activities can continue until the end of the year.

The company noted that by mid-April 2026, the sales target for external nickel ore, limited to 9 million wet metric tonnes, has been fully achieved. Currently, the remaining production quota is allocated on a limited basis only to ensure the continuity of raw material supply to the Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) processing plant owned by the company’s joint venture.

“This first quarter confirms the Group’s ability to adapt and mobilise to meet targets, despite uncertainties,” said Bories.

On the other hand, the French mining giant reported improved global operational performance with a 13% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by a 54% increase in nickel ore sales volume and a 10% increase in manganese ore.

Throughout 2026, the group will also remain focused on increasing lithium production in Argentina, where capacity has reached an average of 80% as of March. The company is optimistic about overcoming operational and regulatory challenges in various work areas by leveraging its mining assets to maintain long-term financial performance stability.