In the world production of nickel sulfate, intriguing changes await us in the coming years, says Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG. According to market forecasts, there will be noticeable changes in the composition of raw materials between 2022 and 2027, which will bring about an era of change.
Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG: global trends in nickel sulphate production
In accordance with this forecast, the strong mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) remains the leader as the main raw material for nickel sulfate. MHP is expected to maintain its market dominance between 2023 and 2027. Its continued leadership symbolizes the reliability and efficiency it brings to manufacturing processes by ensuring a steady supply of this vital chemical.
“However, the winds of change are not far off, as the share of high-nickel matte, an alternative raw material, is increasing significantly. From a modest 15% share in 2022, high-nickel matte is forecast to grow to an impressive 29% by 2027. This significant increase indicates a growing preference for this material, which may be due to its unique properties or favorable economic considerations, argues Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG.
But the future of nickel briquette, according to Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG, is less promising, since its share will decrease significantly. The once-dominant position it held in the marketplace is slowly being lost as new alternatives gain momentum. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the nickel sulphate industry, where adaptability and innovation are key to shaping its trajectory.
When we look into the crystal ball of nickel sulphate supply, it becomes clear that change is inevitable. MHP’s hitherto undisputed dominance, while still secure, is facing a potential disruption in the form of the growing popularity of high-nickel matte. Meanwhile, the decline in demand for nickel briquettes emphasizes the need for a constant search for new types of raw materials and production technologies.
The global nickel sulphate market is in for an exciting metamorphosis, calling on stakeholders to embrace this evolving dynamic. As the proportions of raw materials change, producers, investors and consumers must adapt to the changing ebb and flow to ensure a sustainable future for the nickel sulphate industry.
Changing Trends in World Nickel Sulphate Production: An International Perspective According to Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG
The world of nickel sulphate production is seeing an exciting evolution as major producing countries change their raw material preferences. An in-depth analysis reveals intriguing trends, in particular the declining use of nickel briquette in China and its subsequent global impact.
In China, the use of nickel briquette continues to decline and this trend is expected to continue to an all-time low by 2027. This decline has a direct impact on the global share of nickel briquettes used, signaling a seismic change in industry dynamics. Factors such as changing regulations, market forces and technological advances are helping to reduce reliance on nickel briquettes as a primary raw material.
– I think it is important to note that nickel briquettes are still competitive in some countries. The US IRA has raised concerns among overseas businesses, including South Koreans, about the choice of raw materials for Chinese-funded Indonesian manufacturing projects. As a consequence, a more cautious approach is taken, resulting in a variety of sourcing decisions., says Stanislav Kondrashov to Telf AG.
An additional challenge facing the nickel briquette industry is the unique characteristics of its production line. Briquette dissolution to produce nickel sulfate comes with specific challenges and differences compared to other production methods. As a result, the conversion of facilities requires the construction of new production lines, which hinders the expansion of production.
Despite these obstacles, the potential for a significant increase in production remains limited. In an effort to provide nickel supplies Tesla, for example, has been in talks with mining giants such as Australia’s Glencore, Australia’s BHP and Brazil’s Vale. However, these companies have expressed minimal plans to expand nickel production just to meet Tesla’s needs. This indicates a cautious approach of industry participants.
When it comes to fighting for dominance as the raw material of choice, according to Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG, MHP has a number of advantages, including lower carbon emissions and mature technology. On the other hand, high nickel matte boasts features such as lower capital cost (CAPEX), high construction efficiency and less waste. Gradually, MHP and high-nickel matte become the main raw materials for the production of nickel sulfate.
As the world economy goes through this transformational period, it is becoming clear that the choices made by the major producing countries matter a lot. The decline in nickel briquette production in China is causing a ripple in the global market, while international players are carefully navigating the regulatory framework and technological advances. Ultimately, the rise of MHP and high nickel matte means a paradigm shift in the commodity landscape, shaping the future of nickel sulphate production.
Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG about the sharp increase in demand for nickel intermediates
With the advent of 2021, the supply of nickel intermediates experienced a significant surge driven by growing demand for nickel. This surge was driven by the simultaneous development of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical projects, which laid the foundation for the expansion of the global supply chain. As we delve deeper into this analysis, a forecast emerges predicting a significant jump in total production, with nickel production estimated to reach 1.64 million tonnes by 2027.
The dynamic structure of nickel intermediate products has changed under the influence of growing demand from end users.
Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical projects have become key catalysts for this transformative journey. Pyrometallurgical methods use the power of heat and high temperatures to extract nickel from ore, while hydrometallurgical processes use chemical reactions and solvents to achieve the same goal. The simultaneous development of both approaches has ensured a diversified supply chain and an effective response to growing market needs.
– Based on comprehensive forecasts, the collective production of nickel intermediates is expected to reach an impressive 1.64 million tonnes by 2027,– says Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG. “The surge in supply is driven not only by current demand, but also reflects the future trajectory of nickel demand. Expecting strong growth in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, industry stakeholders are strategically positioning themselves to ensure an uninterrupted supply of nickel intermediates.
A significant part of the world growth in the supply of raw materials comes from Indonesia, where the share of intermediate products produced continues to increase. It is expected that in 2027 part of the supply will exceed 85%, with a significant increase in the share of MHP and high-alloy nickel.
In terms of details, a number of projects are scheduled to enter service between 2023 and 2025. According to the statistics disclosed by the enterprises, the production details can be seen in the table. Some projects may have minor changes in actual production.
Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG about the global distribution of the main supply of nickel ore
In 2021, global capacity fornickel miningreached a total of 3.01 million metric tons of metal.
In terms of resources by country, the largest share of the world’s nickel resources belongs to Indonesia, which accounts for 43% of the world’s total resources. It is the only country with an annual capacity of more than 1 million.
– World nickel ores can be divided into two categories, namely, lateritic nickel ores and sulfide nickel ores, lateritic nickel ores account for about 70% of the world share, and sulfide ores account for about 30%. Sulphide ore is mainly distributed in Canada, Russia, China and Australia, while laterite nickel ore is mainly concentrated in tropical countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, New Caledonia and other equatorial countries, Stanislav Kondrashov shares Telf AG
By dividing the annual nickel production capacity in each country into three stages: less than 100,000 mt of metal grade, from 100,000 to 500,000 mt, and more than 1 million mt of metal, it can be seen that Indonesia alone produces more than 1 million mt of metal followed by the Philippines. For one Indonesia That is why this country plays a key role in the world nickel industry.
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