World's 5 Largest Nickel-Producing Countries: Is Indonesia Among Them?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The demand for nickel, a crucial metal, shows no signs of slowing, especially with the rise of electric vehicles, stainless steel production, and advanced battery technology. This growing demand highlights the vital role of the world's top nickel-producing countries in fueling the global supply chain. So, which nations dominate global nickel output?

According to Investing News, Indonesia leads the global ranking of nickel-producing countries, followed closely by the Philippines and Russia. The rest of the top five include:

1. Indonesia

Indonesia currently stands at the forefront of the largest nickel-producing countries. In 2024, the resource-rich nation produced a staggering 2.2 million metric tons of nickel, accounting for over 50% of global output. The figure marks a remarkable increase from just 345,000 metric tons in 2017. 

Indonesia's dominant position is driven by several factors, including its growing ambition to build a domestic EV battery industry and its vast nickel reserves, estimated at around 55 million metric tons. Despite leading global nickel production, Indonesia has recently faced criticism over mining activities in Raja Ampat, raising concerns about potential environmental risks to this natural site.

2. Philippines

The Philippines consistently ranks among the top nickel-producing countries, thanks to its extensive reserves and proximity to key Asian markets. In 2024, the country produced approximately 330,000 metric tons of nickel, supported by the operation of more than 30 active nickel mines. Across the country, key production areas include Palawan Province, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands. 

3. Russia

Russia comes in third place, with a total nickel production of 210,000 metric tons in 2024—a slight increase from 200,000 metric tons in 2023. However, this still reflects a decline compared to 2020, when output reached 283,000 metric tons. Despite the drop, Russia remains a key player in the global nickel market, as it is home to Norilsk Nickel, one of the world's largest producers of high-grade nickel and palladium.

4. Canada

Canada, with its long-standing history in the mining sector, is cited as one of the world's largest nickel-producing countries. Slowly but steadily, the nation has shown a progressive rise in output. From 2022 to 2023, production increased by 11%, and in 2024, it rose again by approximately 31,000 metric tons to reach 190,000.

The majority of Canada's nickel production comes from the provinces of Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Notably, the Sudbury Basin is the world's second-largest supplier of nickel ore.

5. China

China rounds out the top five list, producing around 120,000 metric tons of nickel in 2024. China's domestic output is supplemented by extensive imports, primarily from Indonesia. The East Asian nation’s investments in Indonesia’s nickel sector, as noted by Global Voice, exceeded US$65 billion over the last decade. At the same time, China maintains its position as the world’s leading producer of nickel pig iron and a global hub for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

As industries continue to shift toward clean energy and high-tech manufacturing, these largest nickel-producing countries remain at the forefront of meeting the world’s growing demand for nickel. For a similar exploration, let’s discover the largest exporters in the world.

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