Highlights

  • Nickel Industries receives approval to increase its 2025 nickel ore sales quota.
  • AMDAL authorisation supports long-term operational planning and environmental compliance.
  • Company advances toward securing its 2026 RKAB targeting 19 million wmt.

Nickel Industries Limited (ASX:NIC)has confirmed that its Hengjaya Mine received approval to extend its 2025 Rencana Kerja dan Anggaran Biaya (RKAB) nickel ore sales quota. The authorised volume has been increased from 9 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) to 10.5 million wmt for the remainder of the year.

Following this approval, the company has resumed the sale of stockpiled ore into the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) through both haul road routes and barging. The revision allows the mine to progress previously paused movements of material while utilising its existing on-site inventory.

Regulatory Backing Through AMDAL Clearance
The expanded quota follows the approval of the mine’s Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan (AMDAL) by the Ministry of Environment. While the RKAB sales permit is issued annually, the AMDAL remains valid for a five-year period and does not require amendment during that timeframe.

The environmental clearance provides essential regulatory backing for future operational plans. It also supports the company’s ongoing process of securing its 2026 RKAB, with the company aiming for authorisation of up to 19 million wmt per annum. Final steps for the 2026 submission are currently progressing.

Infrastructure and Environmental Provisions
The approved AMDAL incorporates Indonesia’s first in-pit tailings storage system. It includes a dedicated pipeline linking the ENC HPAL facility with the Hengjaya Mine, enabling the transport of HPAL tailings for dry-stack storage and pit recontouring. According to the company, the system is designed to deliver environmental and traceability advantages aligned with regulatory expectations and customer requirements.

Additionally, the AMDAL allows the transport of limonite ore via slurry pipeline to the ENC HPAL plant. This approach is expected to reduce emissions intensity and operational costs compared with conventional vehicle-based hauling methods.

Management Remarks
Managing Director Justin Werner acknowledged the regulatory approvals, noting that the expanded 2025 RKAB allows immediate recommencement of mine sales and supports the framework for the proposed 2026 quota increase. He also highlighted that the AMDAL approval is the first in the country to allow pipeline-based return of HPAL tailings for storage, recontouring, and revegetation.

Share Price Snapshot
NIC was trading 1.32% higher at AUD 0.765 per share as of 12 December 2025.