Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) recently estimates that nickel ore production in 2026 will reach approximately 209 million tonnes, falling short of the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) target of 260-270 million tonnes.
This was disclosed by Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, Secretary to the Director General of Minerals and Coal at ESDM, in presentation materials.
Siti revealed that the reduction in nickel ore output is intended to increase reserves and stabilize commodity prices in the global market.
Notably, ESDM indicated that actual production tends to be lower than the targets stipulated in RKAB documents.
Previously, Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at ESDM, revealed that the ministry had issued the 2026 nickel RKAB on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Tri disclosed that the approved nickel ore production quota ranges between 260 million and 270 million tonnes. This quota represents a significant decrease compared to the previous year's RKAB production target of 379 million tonnes.
Written by Cora Ji, jiruyan@mysteel.com
