China’s MMG Ltd acquired Anglo American’s Brazilian nickel business, strengthening its control over the global nickel supply amid Western producers exiting due to low prices.

About Nickel

• Nickel is a Silvery-white, very hard, and highly corrosion-resistant metal.
• It is Ductile and malleable, allowing it to be shaped into thin wires and sheets without breaking.
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity, making it ideal for industrial applications.
• Never found in pure form naturally, extracted from sulfide and laterite ores.
• Found in association with copper, uranium, and other metals.

Major Uses of Nickel

• Stainless Steel Production (65% of global use): Enhances strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
• Battery Manufacturing (EVs): Used in lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
• Aerospace and  Defense: Found in jet engines, gas turbines, and military applications.
• Electronics and Magnets: Used in mobile phones, power tools, and hard drives.
• Plating and Coatings: Protects surfaces from corrosion and wear in automotive and maritime industries.

About Nickel Pollution

• Sources: Nickel pollution arises from industrial activities, fuel combustion, and municipal or industrial waste, leading to environmental contamination and human exposure.
• Nickel-Related Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to nickel can cause allergies, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, lung fibrosis, and even lung and nasal cancer, posing significant health hazards.

Global Nickel Distribution

• Largest Reserves: Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, and Cuba.
• Leading Producers: Indonesia , Philippines, and Russia.
  • In 2022, Indonesia and the Philippines accounted for 58.2% of global nickel output
• Largest Consumer: China is the largest consumer of nickel globally utilizing 50.4% of global production.

Chinese Dominance in Nickel

• Control Over Refining: Chinese companies dominate 75% of Indonesia’s refining capacity, the world’s largest nickel supplier.
• Strategic Acquisitions: MMG’s expansion into Brazil’s nickel market enhances China’s influence in global nickel production.
• Market Influence: China’s investments have driven a global supply glut and price collapse, forcing Western producers to sell assets.

Nickel Distribution in India

• Key Deposits: Sukinda Valley (Odisha) with nickeliferous limonite and Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
• Leading Producing States: Odisha (92%), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, and Rajasthan.