Weda Bay Nickel Ore Quota to be Exhausted by May 2026, ESDM's Response
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has commented on the production quota for nickel ore at PT Weda Bay Nickel, expected to be depleted by mid-May 2026.
The Director General of Minerals and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) at the Ministry of ESDM, Tri Winarno, stated that the government is encouraging the company to maximise the remaining available quota.
“Actually, we are endeavouring to optimise with the existing production so as not to exceed it. So, try to optimise it first, something like that,” he said when met at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
Tri assessed that mining companies must be more precise in managing the rhythm of nickel ore mining in accordance with the capacity already granted by the government.
Previously, PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), through its parent company Eramet Indonesia, stated that the company’s nickel production in North Maluku would only last until mid-May 2026.
While submitting a revision to the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), the company indicated that mining activities this year would be temporarily halted for maintenance and upkeep.
“The request for revision of the quota increase is currently being submitted by PT Weda Bay Nickel (PT WBN), following the approval of the initial RKAB limited to 12 Mwmt 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,” 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. The company is 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 target for external nickel ore sales, limited to 9 Mwmt, had 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 joint venture’s Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) processing plant.
“This first quarter confirms the Group’s ability to adapt and mobilise to meet targets, despite uncertainties,” Bories said.
On the other hand, the French mining giant reported improved global operational performance with a 13% revenue growth in Q1-2026 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.