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2023

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<h2 class="text-lg font-semibold">Head Office</h2>
<p class="text-sm font-light">Gedung Bank Panin, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta Pusat, 10270.<br><br><strong>Phone</strong>: +62-21 5722924<br><strong>Fax</strong>: 021 - 72789908<br><br></p>
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<h2 class="text-lg font-semibold">Site Obi</h2>
<p class="text-sm font-light">Desa Kawasi, Kecamatan Obi, Kabupaten Halmahera Selatan, Maluku Utara.</p>
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<div class="hidden md:flex text-xs"><a href="mailto:corporate.secretary@haritanickel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Corporate Secretary: corporate.secretary@haritanickel.com</a></div>

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<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The growth of the nickel industry is bringing significant changes to North Maluku. Amid the expansion of industrial estates and processing facilities, one aspect must remain central: the people who work in the industry and the communities living in the surrounding areas.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">For this reason, the success of downstream nickel processing should not be measured solely by production capacity and investment. It must also reflect worker safety, respect for community rights, and responsible environmental management.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This perspective was highlighted in a Human Rights (HR) audit of nickel companies in North Maluku, conducted by the SETARA Institute for Democracy and Peace in collaboration with the Sustainable-Inclusive Governance Initiative (SIGI). Among the five companies assessed, Harita Nickel recorded the highest composite score of 63.60, making it the only company to achieve the Established category.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This achievement was supported by several governance foundations that received positive assessments from SETARA, including human rights policies, ethics and anti-corruption measures, security, stakeholder engagement, responsible sourcing, and the implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD).</p>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/base64/page_1794445001_lo1vVadFPd.jpeg" alt="Sumber: http://setara-institute.org" width="850" height="374">
<figcaption>Source:&nbsp;<a href="http://setara-institute.org">setara-institute.org</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">At the operational level, these principles are reflected in grievance mechanisms for employees and communities, occupational safety systems for employees and contractors, as well as environmental management initiatives through the Dry Stack Tailing Facility (DSTF), sedimentation ponds, mine reclamation, and emissions monitoring.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">These governance practices continue to be tested through independent assessments. One of them is the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) audit, which is currently at the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) stage. This phase provides an opportunity to address findings and strengthen the practices required to improve performance.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Beyond the Numbers</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Behind the score of 63.60 lies a more tangible measure of how the industry should grow.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">“The success of nickel downstream processing is ultimately reflected in actual conditions on the ground: workers can carry out their duties and return home safely, communities retain proper access to their livelihoods, and the environment remains well protected,” said SETARA Institute Executive Director Halili Hasan.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">According to Halili, strengthening human rights and environmental governance is essential to ensuring that Indonesian nickel remains competitive and sustainable.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, achieving the Established category is not the finish line. SETARA recommends strengthening remedy mechanisms for affected communities and the environment, including greater transparency in grievance resolution and preventive measures to ensure that similar issues do not recur.</p>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/base64/page_1794445001_72RIccJRDN.jpeg" alt="Konsolidasi Skor dan Tingkat Kematangan Akhir" width="850" height="339">
<figcaption>Harita Nickel achieved the highest score and the only one company with established level based on audit results of Setara Institute &amp; SIGI.&nbsp;</figcaption>
</figure>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">SETARA also encourages cumulative impact assessments across industrial areas. Given the close interaction between mining operations, smelters, power plants, and coastal areas in North Maluku, the impacts of industrial activities need to be assessed from a broader, integrated perspective.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">“Without continuous improvement, Indonesian nickel could lose its competitive edge,” Halili said.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Established as a Starting Point</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">For Harita Nickel, these recommendations are part of its ongoing improvement journey.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Harita Nickel President Director Roy Arman Arfandy stated that the results of SETARA's audit serve as motivation for the company to continue improving its practices. The same commitment is reflected in the ongoing IRMA audit process, which remains at the CAP stage as the company works to address findings and strengthen the necessary practices.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ultimately, the Established recognition is more than just a position in an assessment. It reflects the governance foundations that have been established while serving as a reminder that good governance must be continuously demonstrated through concrete actions.</p>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/base64/page_1794445001_gtKwH3KKBY.jpeg" alt="Penyamapaian Keluhan Masyarakat di bantu oleh Harita Nickel" width="850" height="566">
<figcaption>Community members can submit complaints directly through the community grievance service post or by phone.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">On Obi Island, these principles are reflected in everyday practices: ensuring workers return home safely, providing communities with opportunities to voice their concerns and aspirations, and protecting the environment amid the evolving dynamics of the industrial area.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Because as the industry continues to grow, its success should not be measured only by the scale of what is built, but also by how well people and the environment are protected throughout the journey.</p>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/MajalahHaritaNickelEdisi3-2026">This Articles can be Acessed to Magazine Bentala Halmahera Q3</a></p>
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Putting People First Amid the Growth of the Nickel Industry

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Winners of the Harita Continuous Improvement (HCI) competition at the business unit level have introduced a range of innovations aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and workplace safety. They will now advance to the group-level competition, where they will compete for the overall championship title.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">These innovations were recognized during the HCI Awarding Night 2025, held in early October 2026. Each solution was developed in response to real operational challenges, ranging from maintaining mining productivity during rainfall to improving energy efficiency, accelerating licensing processes, and managing occupational health risks.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In the mining sector, the Production Department team from PT Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP) and PT Gane Permai Sentosa (GPS), led by Fransisco Yustian Mangalik, developed a controlled mining method for rainy conditions at Pit Senggigi using the Road Severity Index (RSI). This approach helps assess road conditions and determine whether mining operations can safely continue.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Between October and December 2025, the implementation reduced lost production hours by 21% and tonnage losses by 27%, equivalent to 60,048 wet metric tons (WMT). These results demonstrate the potential of data-driven approaches to maintaining productivity while prioritizing workplace safety.</p>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/base64/page_1793167108_8iMz5Ly89g.jpeg" alt="Kegiatan Penambangan saat Hujan" width="950" height="535">
<figcaption>Operational Mining Activities</figcaption>
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<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, PT Megah Surya Pertiwi (MSP) introduced an energy efficiency innovation by converting diesel-powered excavators to electric power. Following technical and safety testing, along with operator training, the initiative is projected to generate energy cost savings of approximately IDR 106 million per unit per month. Beyond reducing operational costs, the transition to electric power also offers opportunities to lower operational emissions.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Innovation also extended beyond field operations. PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel (HJF) developed an initiative titled "Transforming the Effectiveness of Electricity Licensing to Support Independent Integrated IUPTLU Licensing." By managing electricity licensing processes independently, the company has been able to accelerate permit completion by up to 100 days, supporting smoother and more efficient operations.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In occupational health, the BreatheSafe Squad team from PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPAL), led by Priyo Adi Pamungkas, developed an approach to monitoring nickel sulfate dust exposure. Involving 108 Harita employees, the team integrated air quality data with workers' health indicators as the foundation for an Integrated Exposure Management System. The proposed system is designed to combine risk mapping, exposure monitoring, and early detection into a comprehensive occupational health management approach.</p>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/base64/page_1793167108_hnrI0pJvsY.jpeg" alt="Salah Satu Pemenang dari PT HPAL - Tim BreatheSafe" width="950" height="633">
<figcaption>One of the Winner from PT HPAL - BreatheSafe Team</figcaption>
</figure>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Harita Nickel President Director Roy Arman Arfandy expressed his appreciation for the improvement initiatives developed by employees.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">"The spirit of continuous improvement is part of our shared culture at Harita Nickel. We are very proud of the dedication and determination of our people to continuously strive for excellence," he said.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">He also expressed hope that these innovations would continue to be implemented and refined, ensuring their benefits could be sustained over the long term.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">With the business unit-level competition concluded, the winners are now preparing for the next stage at the group level. Each team will bring forward its innovation, competing to demonstrate solutions with the potential to deliver broader improvements across Harita Nickel's operations.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Through HCI, Harita Nickel continues to encourage employees to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and continuously improve work processes. This commitment reflects the spirit of #CaranyaHarita, fostering a culture of continuous improvement to build safer, more effective, and more efficient operations.</p>
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Harita Continuous Improvement Winners Advance to Group-Level Competition

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Saat ini, nikel menjadi salah satu mineral yang banyak dibutuhkan dalam berbagai industri. Mulai dari bahan baku campuran untuk stainless steel hingga menjadi bahan baku untuk rantai pasok baterai kendaraan listrik, nikel memiliki peran dalam berbagai produk yang digunakan sehari-hari.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Namun, sebelum bisa dimanfaatkan dalam berbagai produk, material ini harus melewati perjalanan yang cukup panjang. Prosesnya dimulai dari kegiatan pertambangan, pengolahan bijih, hingga menghasilkan produk antara yang kemudian dapat digunakan untuk kebutuhan industri.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Lalu, seperti apa sebenarnya perjalanan nikel dari mulai ditambang hingga diolah menjadi produk yang punya nilai guna tinggi? Pada artikel ini kita akan membahas perjalanan nikel mulai ditambang, diolah, hingga menjadi produk-produk yang dapat kita gunakan dalam <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/ini-dia-kegunaan-dan-manfaat-nikel-dalam-kehidupan-sehari-hari-1">kehidupan sehari-hari.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Dari Mana Nikel Berasal?</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Nikel bisa ditemukan di berbagai wilayah di dunia. Secara umum, nikel berasal dari dua jenis endapan, yaitu nikel laterit dan nikel sulfida. Nikel laterit terbentuk dari proses pelapukan batuan yang berlangsung dalam waktu yang panjang. Jenis nikel ini umumnya ditemukan di wilayah beriklim tropis, seperti Indonesia, Filipina, dan Kaledonia Baru. Sementara itu, nikel sulfida terbentuk dari endapan mineral yang mengandung sulfida dan banyak ditemukan di wilayah seperti Kanada, Australia, dan Rusia.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Di Indonesia, nikel yang banyak ditemukan adalah bijih <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/mengenal-bentuk-nikel-di-alam-dari-tanah-laterit-hingga-batu-sulfida">nikel laterit.</a>. Jenis nikel ini terbentuk dari proses pelapukan batuan yang berlangsung dalam <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/mengapa-nikel-indonesia-banyak-ditemukan-di-sulawesi-dan-maluku-utara-ini-penjelasannya">waktu yang panjang. </a>Kondisi alam Indonesia yang beriklim tropis turut mendukung proses tersebut.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Secara sederhana, bijih nikel laterit dapat ditemukan dalam beberapa lapisan. Dua jenis yang umum dibahas dalam pengolahan nikel adalah <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/kupas-tuntas-bijih-nikel-saprolit-dan-limonit-apa-bedanya">limonit dan saprolit.</a> Keduanya memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda. Karena itu, jenis bijih menjadi salah satu hal yang menentukan bagaimana material tersebut akan diproses selanjutnya.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Mengenal Bijih Nikel Limonit dan Saprolit</h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Bijih nikel limonit merupakan jenis bijih nikel yang umumnya ditemukan di bagian yang lebih dekat dengan permukaan tanah. Karakteristiknya ditandai dengan kandungan besi yang relatif tinggi, sementara kadar nikelnya lebih rendah jika dibandingkan dengan bijih nikel saprolit. Secara umum, bijih limonit memiliki kandungan nikel sekitar 0,8–1,5 persen.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Sementara itu, bijih nikel saprolit umumnya ditemukan pada bagian yang lebih dalam dibandingkan limonit dan memiliki kandungan nikel yang lebih tinggi. Secara umum, kadar nikelnya berada pada kisaran 1,5–3,0 persen. Saprolit juga memiliki karakteristik mineral yang berbeda dari limonit, dengan kandungan besi yang relatif lebih rendah. Secara visual, tanah yang mengandung bijih nikel limonit umumnya terlihat lebih gelap, sedangkan bijih nikel saprolit umumnya terlihat lebih terang.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Perbedaan karakteristik tersebut membuat kedua jenis bijih ini dapat membutuhkan teknologi pengolahan yang berbeda. Secara umum, saprolit dengan kadar nikel lebih tinggi banyak diolah melalui jalur pirometalurgi, yaitu proses pengolahan yang memanfaatkan panas atau temperatur tinggi untuk mengolah bijih menjadi produk seperti feronikel, nickel pig iron (NPI), atau nickel matte. Sementara itu, limonit dengan kadar nikel lebih rendah banyak diolah melalui jalur hidrometalurgi, yaitu proses yang memanfaatkan asam sulfat dan tekanan air untuk melarutkan dan mengambil kandungan logam dari bijih, salah satunya melalui teknologi High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Jadi, ketika mendengar istilah tambang nikel, prosesnya tidak hanya soal mengambil bijih dari dalam tanah. Karakteristik bijih yang berbeda juga menentukan bagaimana material tersebut dapat diolah lebih lanjut untuk menghasilkan produk yang memiliki nilai tambah.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Bagaimana Proses Penambangan Nikel?</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Sebelum kegiatan penambangan dilakukan, diperlukan berbagai tahapan persiapan. Salah satunya adalah eksplorasi untuk mengetahui kondisi geologi, keberadaan mineral, serta karakteristik endapan di suatu area.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Setelah area dan karakteristik endapan diketahui, kegiatan di tambang nikel dapat dilakukan sesuai dengan perencanaan dan ketentuan yang berlaku.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Bijih nikel yang telah ditambang kemudian dipindahkan dan disiapkan untuk masuk ke tahap berikutnya, yaitu pengolahan.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Pada tahap ini, pemilahan berdasarkan karakteristik bijih menjadi penting. Limonit dan saprolit tidak serta-merta diproses dengan cara yang sama karena karakteristik mineraloginya berbeda.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Setelah Ditambang, Apa yang Terjadi pada Bijih Nikel?</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Nah, di sinilah perjalanan nikel mulai masuk ke tahap pengolahan. Bijih hasil penambangan bukanlah produk akhir. Material tersebut perlu melalui serangkaian proses untuk mengambil kandungan nikel dan menghasilkan produk dengan spesifikasi yang sesuai kebutuhan industri.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Secara umum, pengolahan bijih nikel laterit dapat dilakukan melalui jalur <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/mengenal-teknologi-rkef-dan-hpal-dalam-pengolahan-nikel">pirometalurgi atau hidrometalurgi.</a> Pirometalurgi menggunakan teknologi RKEF (Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace)&nbsp; yang memanfaatkan proses peleburan dengan api pada temperatur tinggi, sedangkan hidrometalurgi menggunakan Teknologi HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leaching) yang menggunakan proses pemurnian dengan larutan tertentu untuk mengekstraksi logam dari bijih.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Mengenal Proses Pengolahan Bijih Nikel</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Pengolahan Bijih Saprolit</h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Bijih saprolit dapat diolah melalui proses pirometalurgi menggunakan teknologi Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Secara sederhana, bijih saprolit terlebih dahulu dipersiapkan dan dikeringkan. Setelah itu, material masuk ke rotary kiln untuk menjalani proses pengeringan dan reduksi pada temperatur tinggi.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Material kemudian masuk ke electric furnace sebuah wadah raksasa berbentuk silinder atau mangkuk. Di dalam proses ini, material dilebur sehingga kandungan nikel dan besi dapat diperoleh sebagai paduan feronikel (FeNi).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Feronikel kemudian dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu bahan dalam industri, khususnya untuk produksi stainless steel.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Pengolahan Bijih Limonit</h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Berbeda dengan saprolit, bijih limonit dapat diolah menggunakan jalur hidrometalurgi melalui teknologi High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Pada proses HPAL, bijih dipersiapkan kemudian masuk ke dalam <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4uhaSUPeQa/">autoclave</a> yang berfungsi seperti panci presto raksasa. Di dalamnya, bijih mengalami proses pelindian menggunakan asam pada kondisi tekanan dan temperatur tinggi untuk melarutkan kandungan nikel dan kobalt.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Setelah melalui beberapa tahap pemisahan dan pemurnian, nikel dan kobalt kemudian dapat diendapkan menjadi Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">MHP sendiri merupakan produk antara yang dapat diproses lebih lanjut untuk menghasilkan bahan kimia nikel dan kobalt yang dibutuhkan dalam rantai pasok baterai. Kementerian ESDM juga menjelaskan MHP sebagai salah satu produk yang dapat dihasilkan dari pengolahan bijih nikel kadar rendah dan menjadi prekursor untuk produksi baterai.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Dari Bijih Nikel Menjadi Produk Nikel</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Jadi, apa yang sebenarnya dihasilkan setelah bijih nikel melalui proses pengolahan?</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Salah satunya adalah feronikel. Produk ini merupakan paduan nikel dan besi yang dapat digunakan dalam produksi <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/apa-itu-feronikel-produk-di-balik-kuatnya-stainless-steel">stainless steel.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Selain itu, ada pula MHP yang mengandung nikel dan kobalt. Produk ini dapat menjadi bahan antara untuk diproses lebih lanjut menjadi berbagai bahan kimia yang dibutuhkan dalam industri baterai.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Dalam perkembangannya, rantai pengolahan nikel juga dapat menghasilkan produk turunan seperti nikel sulfat, kobalt sulfat, maupun elektrolitik kobalt</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Artinya, perjalanan nikel tidak berhenti ketika bijih berhasil diambil dari tambang. Melalui proses pengolahan dan pemurnian, material tersebut dapat memiliki bentuk dan nilai tambah yang berbeda sesuai kebutuhan industri.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Untuk Apa Produk Nikel Digunakan?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Untuk Industri Stainless Steel</h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Salah satu penggunaan utama produk nikel adalah dalam industri stainless steel.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Nikel membantu memberikan karakteristik tertentu pada stainless steel, termasuk ketahanan terhadap korosi. Karena itu, produk berbasis stainless steel dapat ditemukan dalam berbagai kebutuhan industri maupun kehidupan sehari-hari.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Untuk Rantai Pasok Baterai</h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Nikel juga menjadi salah satu material yang digunakan dalam rantai pasok baterai.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Produk antara seperti MHP dapat diproses lebih lanjut menjadi bahan kimia yang digunakan dalam pembuatan material baterai. Inilah salah satu alasan mengapa pengolahan bijih nikel kadar rendah menjadi semakin penting dalam perkembangan industri <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/mengenal-produk-olahan-harita-nickel-untuk-bahan-baku-baterai-ev">baterai kendaraan listrik.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Selain stainless steel dan baterai, nikel dan produk turunannya dapat digunakan dalam berbagai aplikasi industri lainnya.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Melihat Perjalanan Nikel di Harita Nickel</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Perjalanan dari bijih nikel hingga menjadi produk bernilai tambah juga berlangsung di Pulau Obi, Halmahera Selatan, Maluku Utara. Melalui operasi yang terintegrasi, Harita Nickel menjalankan rangkaian kegiatan mulai dari penambangan, pengolahan, pemurnian, hingga menghasilkan berbagai produk nikel. Operasi tersebut mencakup pengolahan bijih saprolit melalui teknologi RKEF dan bijih limonit melalui teknologi HPAL.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Untuk bijih saprolit, proses RKEF menghasilkan feronikel yang digunakan untuk kebutuhan industri stainless steel. Sementara itu, bijih limonit diproses melalui HPAL untuk menghasilkan MHP, serta produk turunan seperti nikel sulfat dan kobalt sulfat yang berkaitan dengan rantai pasok bahan baterai.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Perjalanan nikel di Pulau Obi tidak hanya tentang bagaimana bijih diolah menjadi produk bernilai tambah. Dalam menjalankan operasionalnya, Harita Nickel juga menerapkan pendekatan pengolahan yang bertanggung jawab dengan memperhatikan berbagai aspek, mulai dari pengelolaan lingkungan, keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja, hingga hubungan dengan masyarakat di sekitar wilayah operasional.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Rangkaian ini menjadi bagian dari pengembangan ekosistem industri nikel dan hilirisasi di Indonesia, sekaligus upaya untuk menjalankan kegiatan pertambangan dan pengolahan secara bertanggung jawab.</p>
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From Nickel Mining to Nickel Products: Here’s How the Journey Works

<p dir="ltr">Today, nickel is recognized as one of the world's most strategic minerals. It plays a vital role in the production of stainless steel, a wide range of industrial applications, and the batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs), making it an essential component of the global transition toward cleaner energy.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yet, centuries ago, nickel was considered virtually worthless. European miners even regarded it as a "troublesome rock" because it resembled copper ore but yielded no copper when processed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So, how did nickel evolve from a misunderstood metal into one of the world's most sought-after minerals? This article explores the fascinating history of nickel from its early reputation as a worthless ore to its critical role in stainless steel manufacturing and the modern electric vehicle battery industry.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="1kbcu4n">Mistaken for Copper: The Origin of "Devil's Copper"</h2>
<p class="">The history of nickel began long before the metal was successfully isolated.</p>
<p>In the 17th century, miners in Saxony, Germany, discovered a reddish-colored mineral that closely resembled copper ore. Believing they had found a valuable copper deposit, they attempted to extract copper from it but without success.</p>
<p>Frustrated by their repeated failures, the miners blamed an evil spirit known in Saxon folklore as Nickel, a mischievous goblin believed to deceive miners. They nicknamed the mysterious ore <a href="https://www.kompas.id/artikel/sejarah-panjang-pemanfaatan-tembaga-setan">Kupfernickel</a>, which literally translates to "Devil's Copper." This unusual name eventually became the origin of the word nickel, the name by which the metal is known today.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="n4ooqg"><span role="text">A Century Later, Nickel's True Identity Was Revealed</span></h2>
<p>The true identity of Kupfernickel remained a mystery for nearly a century.</p>
<p>In 1751, <a href="https://tirto.id/asal-usul-nikel-dari-tembaga-iblis-hingga-jadi-kunci-transisi-energi-hkUw">Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt studied</a> a mineral sample from a mine in Hälsingland, Sweden. After heating the ore with charcoal, he discovered that it contained neither copper nor any previously known metal. Instead, it yielded an entirely new metallic element with unique properties.</p>
<p>Cronstedt became the first scientist to successfully isolate nickel as a distinct chemical element. Inspired by the name Kupfernickel, he shortened it simply to nickel.</p>
<p>However, the discovery was not yet complete. Nickel's unique chemical properties were fully confirmed only in 1775, when Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman succeeded in producing pure nickel, firmly establishing it as a distinct chemical element.</p>
<p>From that point onward, nickel was no longer regarded as the mysterious "Devil's Copper," but as a newly discovered metal with remarkable potential—although its most transformative applications were still yet to come.</p>
<h2><span role="text">From a Curious Mineral to a Material for Coinage</span></h2>
<p>Even after its identity had been established, nickel did not immediately become a widely used metal. It took more than a century before it found practical applications on a large scale.</p>
<p>One of the major turning points came in the 1860s, when the United States began minting coins made from nickel. According to Smithsonian Magazine, nickel was selected because of its abundant availability at a time when other metals traditionally used for coin production were becoming increasingly scarce.</p>
<p>From that point on, nickel was no longer viewed as an unusual mineral that was difficult to process. Instead, it gained recognition as a practical and reliable metal, valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to form strong alloys with other metals.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="5iw1ay"><span role="text">A Turning Point: The Birth of Stainless Steel</span></h2>
<p>Nickel's next breakthrough came in the early 20th century.</p>
<p>In 1912, <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/kenal-nikel-lebih-dekat-definisi-sejarah-dan-manfaatnya">British metallurgist</a> Harry Brearley developed stainless steel, a revolutionary alloy in which nickel became one of the key alloying elements. Combined with iron and chromium, nickel helped create a material that was exceptionally strong, heat-resistant, and highly resistant to corrosion qualities that made it far superior to conventional steel.</p>
<p>This innovation marked a significant turning point for the nickel industry. Global demand for nickel increased rapidly, driven by the growing use of stainless steel across a wide range of sectors.</p>
<p>Today, the majority of the world's nickel production is still used in the manufacture of stainless steel, which is found in countless applications ranging from kitchenware and household appliances to construction materials and heavy industrial equipment.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Read also: <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/apa-itu-feronikel-produk-di-balik-kuatnya-stainless-steel">What Is Ferronickel? The Material Behind the Strength of Stainless Steel</a></strong></span></p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="w27gw5"><span role="text">Nickel's Discovery in Indonesia</span></h2>
<p>While Europe was uncovering the commercial value of nickel, Indonesia's vast nickel deposits remained largely unexplored.</p>
<p>Historical records indicate that Indonesia's first nickel ore deposit was discovered by chance in 1901 by Dutch missionary Albertus Christiaan Kruyt in the <a href="https://psg.geologi.esdm.go.id/index.php/archives/nikel-indonesia-bagian-1-geologi-dan-sejarahnya-di-nusantara/">Verbeek Mountains</a>, located along the border of present-day Central Sulawesi and South Sulawesi.</p>
<p>This discovery was followed in 1909 by mining engineer Eduard Cornelius Abendanon, who identified another significant nickel deposit in Pomalaa, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi. Together, these discoveries marked the beginning of more systematic nickel exploration across the Indonesian archipelago.</p>
<p>In the decades that followed, several Dutch companies including&nbsp;Oost Borneo Maatschappij and Bone Tole Maatschappij&nbsp;initiated exploration activities in Sulawesi, laying the foundation for Indonesia's early nickel industry.</p>
<p>However, the industry's early development was not without challenges. During the Japanese occupation, efforts were made to establish a nickel processing plant in Pomalaa, but the project was abandoned after the facilities were destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II.</p>
<p>Following Indonesia's independence, the government gradually assumed control of the country's nickel mining sector. More extensive exploration and development efforts began in the late 1960s, setting the stage for Indonesia's emergence as one of the world's leading nickel-producing nations.</p>
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The History of Nickel: From an Overlooked Metal to One of the World's Most Valuable Commodities

<p dir="ltr">Indonesia is widely recognized as one of the countries with the largest nickel reserves in the world. According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia has nickel resources reaching 17.7 billion tons, making it the country with the world’s largest nickel reserves. Most of these reserves are concentrated in Sulawesi and North Maluku.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But why is nickel in Indonesia mostly found in Sulawesi and North Maluku? The answer lies in the region’s unique geological history, tectonic activity, tropical climate, and natural weathering processes that have occurred over millions of years.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What Is Nickel and Why Is It Important?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Nickel is a silvery-white metal known for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. With the chemical symbol Ni and atomic number 28, nickel is one of the most commonly found elements in the Earth’s crust.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today, nickel plays an important role in many industries. It is widely used in stainless steel production, metal alloys, coins, and especially electric vehicle (EV) batteries. As global demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, nickel has become increasingly valuable because it is a key material in lithium-ion battery production.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Indonesia benefits greatly from its abundant nickel resources. Around 90% of the country’s nickel reserves are located in Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and North Maluku, including Halmahera Island and nearby islands such as Obi Island.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why Is Nickel Concentrated in Sulawesi and North Maluku?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The main reason nickel deposits are abundant in Sulawesi and North Maluku is because these regions contain extensive ultramafic rock formations. Geological research shows that most Indonesian nickel deposits originated from the weathering of ultramafic rocks, which later formed lateritic nickel deposits.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To fully understand this process, it is important to look at the role of tectonic plate movements.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Role of Tectonic Plates in Indonesia’s Nickel Formation</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Sulawesi and North Maluku are located at the meeting point of several major tectonic plates, including the Eurasian Plate, Australian Plate, and Pacific Plate. Over millions of years, the movement and collision of these plates pushed deep mantle rocks toward the Earth’s surface.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These mantle-derived rocks are known as ultramafic rocks or ophiolite complexes. Naturally rich in magnesium and nickel, ultramafic rocks became the foundation for nickel formation in Indonesia.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This geological condition makes Sulawesi and North Maluku highly prospective areas for nickel deposits because both regions contain vast distributions of ultramafic rocks.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Laterization Process: How Nickel Becomes Concentrated</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The presence of ultramafic rocks alone is not enough to create economically valuable nickel deposits. Another crucial factor is the laterization process, a chemical weathering process driven by tropical rainfall and warm temperatures over thousands to millions of years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As rainwater penetrates the soil and reacts with ultramafic rocks, minerals such as magnesium and silica gradually dissolve and are washed away. Nickel, however, remains behind and becomes concentrated in the soil layers, forming what is known as laterite nickel ore.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Indonesia’s tropical climate provides ideal conditions for this process. With high rainfall and warm temperatures throughout the year, regions like Sulawesi and North Maluku experience intensive laterization, allowing thick nickel-rich laterite layers to form naturally.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Three Main Factors Behind Indonesia’s Nickel Wealth</h3>
<p dir="ltr">There are three key reasons why Sulawesi and North Maluku contain such large nickel reserves:</p>
<h4 dir="ltr">1. Extensive Ultramafic Rock Distribution</h4>
<p dir="ltr">Tectonic activity over millions of years brought nickel-rich mantle rocks to the Earth’s surface, creating large ultramafic rock formations.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr">2. Tropical Climate Conditions</h4>
<p dir="ltr">High rainfall and warm temperatures accelerate chemical weathering and laterization processes that enrich nickel concentrations.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr">3. Long Geological Processes</h4>
<p dir="ltr">The formation of laterite nickel deposits takes thousands to millions of years, allowing thick and economically valuable nickel layers to develop.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Many countries may have one or two of these conditions, but Indonesia particularly Sulawesi and North Maluku, possesses all three on a massive scale.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Read More: <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/en/understanding-nickels-natural-forms-from-laterite-to-sulfide-rocks">Understanding Nickel's Natural Forms: From Laterite to Sulfide Rocks</a></h3>

<h2 dir="ltr">Indonesia’s Nickel Industry and Global Demand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Indonesia is currently the world’s largest nickel producer. The country’s nickel reserves play a strategic role in supporting the global transition toward electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In North Maluku, areas such as Halmahera and Obi Island have developed into integrated nickel industrial centers. These regions support activities ranging from nickel ore mining to the processing of value-added products such as ferronickel and nickel sulfate for EV battery supply chains.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The growth of the nickel industry has also contributed to regional economic development through job creation, infrastructure expansion, and industrial investment.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Harita Nickel and Nickel Processing on Obi Island</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One of the major nickel-producing regions in North Maluku is Obi Island. In this area, Harita Nickel operates integrated nickel mining and processing activities.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Harita Nickel manages operations ranging from nickel ore extraction to downstream processing into value-added products such as ferronickel and nickel sulfate, which are essential materials in electric vehicle battery production.</p>
<p dir="ltr">By processing nickel domestically, the value chain continues beyond mining activities and contributes to Indonesia’s downstream mineral industry development.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In addition, mining and processing activities on Obi Island support local economic growth through employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and community empowerment programs for surrounding communities.</p><script src="https://cdn.flmngr.com/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN" data-ts="1779357610503"></script>

Why Are Indonesia’s Nickel Reserves Mostly Found in Sulawesi and North Maluku? Here’s the Explanation!

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel is a product of saprolite nickel ore processing, which is commonly used as a raw material for making stainless steel. In fact,<a href="https://nickelinstitute.org/en/nickel-applications/"> 65 percent</a> of global nickel production is used for ferronickel, the raw material for stainless steel!</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one of Harita Nickel's most interesting nickel ore processing products: Ferronickel.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">What Is Ferronickel?</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel is an alloy of nickel and iron, with a nickel content ranging from 20 to 40 percent.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This material is obtained by melting saprolite nickel ore in a furnace at temperatures reaching 1,500 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/Media/Liputan/Kabar%20Obi/Lainnya/Feronikel_Feronickel_HJF_MSP17.jpg_compressed.JPEG" alt="" width="1235" height="823"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel Manufacturing Process</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel is made using pyrometallurgy, a process that uses heat to extract minerals. The technology most commonly used in this process is the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF).</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The RKEF process consists of several stages:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Nickel ore separation</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Nickel ore larger than 2 cm is separated from those smaller than 2 cm.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Drying</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The nickel ore is then dried using a rotary dryer. Here, the nickel ore is heated to 200-300 degrees Celsius, which reduces the moisture content from 40 to 20 percent.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Calcination</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">To separate impurities from the nickel and iron, the dried ore is then melted in an electric furnace at temperatures reaching 1,600 degrees Celsius.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Casting</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The molten ferronickel is then cast into ingots and, after drying and cooling, can be packaged and shipped to the steel industry.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Differences Between Ferronickel and Nickel Matte</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In general, ferronickel and nickel matte differ in their nickel content. While ferronickel has a nickel content of 20 to 40 percent, nickel matte has a nickel content of up to 78 percent.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">And yet, both ferronickel and nickel matte are made from saprolite nickel ore, and both are processed using the same RKEF technology. So what makes nickel matte's nickel content higher?</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Following the calcination process, nickel matte is produced by adding sulfur. Sulfur helps separate the nickel and iron, resulting in a higher nickel content.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Many Uses of Ferronickel</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel is both corrosion- and heat-resistant, while also remaining malleable and easy to process. As a result, ferronickel has a wide range of applications in industry and everyday life, including:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">The raw material for stainless steel</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Stainless steel is then used for household appliances, cars, and construction.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Alloys in machine production</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel is also widely used as an alloy with other minerals to produce machinery and industrial components.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li dir="ltr">Infrastructure</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Due to its corrosion-resistant properties, ferronickel is widely processed into raw materials for bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial pipes.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ferronickel at Harita Nickel</h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Harita Nickel is an integrated and sustainable nickel mining and processing company operating on Obi Island, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Currently, Harita Nickel has 12 ferronickel production lines with a capacity of up to 120,000 tons of nickel per year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

What Is Ferronickel: The Product Behind the Strength of Stainless Steel!

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Harita Nickel continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace. Beyond prioritizing physical safety, the company also places significant emphasis on employees’ mental well-being.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This commitment was reflected through a Psychological First Aid (PFA) training—also known as Pertolongan Pertama pada Luka Psikologis (P3LP)—facilitated by psychologist and lecturer from Pijar Integra Psikologi, Universitas Padjadjaran (PIP Unpad), Hari Setyowibowo, M.Psi., Ph.D., on September 15–19, 2025, at the Activity Center of PT Halmahera Persada Lygend.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The training equipped participants with essential skills to recognize signs of psychological distress, provide initial support, and maintain both personal and collective mental health in the workplace.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Through interactive sessions, participants explored four key modules. The first helped them understand the characteristics of physically and psychologically healthy individuals. The second provided strategies for managing stress, both independently and with external support. The third focused on building skills to provide initial psychological support to colleagues, while the final module emphasized practical application in daily work routines.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/Media/Liputan/Kabar%20Obi/Lainnya/PFA%202.jpg" alt="" width="959" height="641"></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Participants also shared personal experiences and strategies they had used to cope with workplace stress. According to Hari, this indicated a strong level of awareness and initiative among employees. “I saw tremendous enthusiasm. They not only understood the sources of stress but also recognized protective factors that support mental health,” he said.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Hari further noted that this initiative represents a progressive step in occupational safety practices within the mining sector. He emphasized that few mining companies pay attention to psychological safety, and praised Harita Nickel for consistently broadening its focus from physical to mental aspects. “I respect Harita Nickel for taking this step. The hope is that participants will be able to pass on the skills they gained to colleagues in the field,” he added.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Following the training, the program continued with face-to-face counseling sessions from September 19 to October 11, facilitated directly by two psychologists from PIP Unpad. These services were designed for employees requiring additional support, whether through screening results, personal initiative, or supervisor referral.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Harita Nickel OHS Manager, Supriyanto Suwarno, underlined that mental health must be treated with the same level of importance as other aspects of occupational health. “Just as we recognize physical, biological, chemical, or physiological hazards, psychological factors are also critical. The goal is for employees to understand themselves, maintain a safe working condition, coordinate, communicate, and remind one another. This aligns with our tagline, Satu Harita Saling Menjaga,” he explained.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Through this program, Harita Nickel reinforces that its greatest investment is in its people. Strengthening safety behavior extends beyond work regulations to include mental well-being—ultimately supporting productivity and the long-term sustainability of operations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

Harita Nickel Holds PFA Training, Reinforces the Importance of Mental Health for Employees

<p>Nickel is a vital metal widely <a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/media/kabar-obi/highlight/ini-dia-kegunaan-dan-manfaat-nikel-dalam-kehidupan-sehari-hari">used</a> in various modern industries, from electronics and electric vehicle (EV) batteries to stainless steel production. However, nickel isn't simply found as a shiny metal on the surface of the earth. So what exactly does it look like in nature?</p>
<h3>What is Nickel?</h3>
<p>Nickel (Ni) is a strong, rust-resistant, silvery-white metallic element with magnetic properties. In everyday life, we often encounter nickel in processed products such as alloys, but seldom see its natural form.
</p>

<h3>Nickel in Nature: Like Ordinary Soil, But Highly Valuable</h3>
<p><img alt="Copy of limonit 5" src="https://api.tbpnickel.com/storage/images/old/images/Copy of Limonit 5.jpg"></p>
<p>Nickel doesn't occur naturally as a pure, shiny metal. Instead, it's found in the form of nickel ore&mdash;rock or soil that contains a certain amount of nickel and can be processed for extraction.</p>
<p>What does this nickel ore look like? It often appears as ordinary soil or rock. Here are some visual examples of nickel in nature:</p>
<h5>● Nickel Laterite:
</h5>
<ol><li>Similar in appearance to red or yellowish-brown soil.</li><li>Its texture is like clay or dense loam.</li><li>Commonly found in tropical regions such as Indonesia and the Philippines.</li><li>Contains nickel-rich minerals such as limonite and garnierite.</li></ol>
<h5>● Nickel Sulfide:
</h5>
<ol><li>A hard rock containing nickel and copper metals.</li><li>Typically found deep in the Earth's crust, the result of ancient volcanic activity.</li></ol>
<h5>● Garnierite (in laterite):
</h5>
<ol><li>Pale to bright green in color.</li><li>Soft, clay-like texture, but with a high nickel content.</li></ol>
<p>If you see a heap of red soil in a nickel mining area, it's most likely laterite nickel ore. It may look like ordinary soil, but its economic value can be pretty high, depending on the nickel content.</p>
<p>In Indonesia, nickel is commonly found in layers of laterite soil, which are soils that are frequently leached by rain. This soil is generally reddish or yellowish in color. This contrasts with nickel found on other continents, such as Australia, where it is generally in the form of nickel sulfide, requiring deeper excavation because it is mostly found below the surface.</p>
<p>At Harita Nickel, the nickel ore found in laterite layers is processed using two main nickel processing methods:<a href="https://tbpnickel.com/id/media/kabar-obi/highlight/yuk-kenali-proses-pengolahan-nikel-di-harita-nickel"> Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) and High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL)</a>. In the RKEF method, nickel ore is processed into ferronickel, which is then used in the manufacture of stainless steel. In the HPAL method, low-grade nickel ore is processed into Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), nickel sulfate, and cobalt sulfate, all three of which play a crucial role in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</p>

Understanding Nickel's Natural Forms: From Laterite to Sulfide Rocks

<p>Indonesia is home to the world’s largest reserves of nickel ore — a mineral that plays a critical role across multiple industries, from stainless steel production to electric vehicle batteries. Yet, nickel does not occur in nature as a solid metal. Instead, it is found in the form of nickel ores, of which there are two main types globally: saprolite and limonite.</p>
<p>Although both ores originate from the same rock weathering process, saprolite and limonite differ significantly in terms of composition, color, depth of deposit, and the technologies required for processing.</p>
<p>Here, we take a closer look at the key differences between the two!</p>
<h2>Saprolite Nickel Ore</h2>
<p><img style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeBgh3b8Nf1MU56bnreMhIcWmVZGKSuI5DHy4jenJFMyAAatFW5yyUbMa00JcFnAYdsDXghW2HQNpNSen3d5KoBy6aRzuDKLAAchJ6LtGuUg-mUoBuJ7dCgvU5nbtu_Sx_LY5I60g?key=_-2XJStQ4HN4CsGWPPhtHbAU" width="624" height="416"></p>
<p><em>Often referred to as "high-grade nickel ore," saprolite typically contains between 1.5% and 3.0% nickel.</em></p>
<p>Due to its higher nickel content, the extraction process for saprolite ore is comparatively more efficient, utilizing smelting methods such as Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF).</p>
<p>However, saprolite deposits are located in deeper layers of the earth’s crust, which presents greater challenges in mining.</p>
<p>The primary product derived from saprolite ore is ferronickel—an alloy of iron and nickel—which is a key raw material in the production of stainless steel.</p>
<h2>Limonite Nickel Ore</h2>
<p><img style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdPX25kR57pqY8FJRVKRg5FC9ZZagZRXFqxYO5qItQ1hvlWR2tY9KhWZoYUWxCvPzkIblG1hV1_K-7SdGQjnhNcEQmHtTrz2svauP6SysLHTHgTLIq83icXD1yXOUcDNQvhfGDv7A?key=_-2XJStQ4HN4CsGWPPhtHbAU" width="624" height="416"></p>
<p><em>Limonite is generally classified as "low-grade nickel ore," with nickel content ranging from 0.8% to 1.5%. However, limonite ore also offers distinct advantages due to its cobalt content, which typically ranges between 0.1% and 0.2%.</em></p>
<p>Processing limonite requires more advanced technologies, such as High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL)—a method that involves leaching the ore with heated sulfuric acid to extract valuable metals.</p>
<p>The result is Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), a solid mixture of nickel and cobalt, which can be further refined into nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate for use in various industries, including battery manufacturing.</p>
<h2>Nickel Ore Processing at Harita Nickel</h2>
<p>Harita Nickel is not only engaged in nickel ore mining but also the integrated processing of ore into value-added products. All operations are conducted on Obi Island, located in South Halmahera Regency.</p>
<p>As of August 2024, Harita Nickel’s latest refinery facility has been fully commissioned and is now operational, following the completion of the company’s RKEF smelting facilities in 2023.</p>
<p>Today, Harita Nickel operates a total of 12 RKEF production lines, with a combined capacity of 120,000 tons of contained nickel in ferronickel, alongside 6 HPAL production lines, with an equivalent capacity of 120,000 tons of contained nickel in MHP.</p>
<p>A clear understanding of the distinctions between saprolite and limonite nickel ores highlights the complexity of modern nickel processing—from the inherent properties of the ores themselves to the advanced technologies utilized.</p>
<p>At Harita Nickel, this process is carried out through an integrated and sustainable approach, delivering high-value nickel products while prioritizing environmental responsibility.</p><script src="https://cdn.flmngr.com/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN" data-ts="1776137121156"></script>

A Closer Look at Nickel Ores: Understanding the Difference Between Saprolite and Limonite

<p>Harita Nickel has once again achieved a remarkable milestone, winning a prestigious award at the 10th PR Indonesia Awards (PRIA) 2025, held at Graha Pos Indonesia, Bandung, on Wednesday (February 26). The company secured recognition in the Owned Media – Internal Magazine Subcategory, competing against 581 entries from 209 institutions.</p>
<p>This award underscores Harita Nickel’s commitment to providing informative and inspiring communication platforms for all stakeholders. The Harita Nickel Internal Magazine serves as a key platform for delivering corporate updates, showcasing initiatives, and encouraging creativity among employees.
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<p>"This recognition reflects Harita Nickel’s commitment to transparency and effective communication with employees and stakeholders. Through our Internal Magazine, we highlight various initiatives and achievements in operations, sustainability, and workplace safety&mdash;our top priorities," said Ekhel Chandra Wijaya, Harita Nickel’s Public and Internal Affairs (PIA) Manager.
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<p>The award was given for Harita Nickel Magazine Edition III – 2024, themed “Sustainable Downstreaming on Obi Island”, coinciding with the 79th Mining and Energy Day. This edition highlights Harita Nickel’s key achievements, including four awards from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, as well as advancements in operational innovation, workplace safety, and environmental initiatives.
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<p>Beyond corporate achievements, Harita Nickel remains dedicated to empowering local communities on Obi Island through various programs. These include the launch of Propala products, which support Kawasi women entrepreneurs, and the Youth Forum: Harita Future Leaders program. One of the featured speakers in this session was Anita Gathmir, founder of Puta Dino Kayangan, a North Maluku-based SME focused on reviving and preserving the Tidore traditional weaving tradition, which had been extinct for 100 years.
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<p>This recognition further reinforces the critical role of internal communication in building a transparent corporate image and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, both within and outside the company. Moving forward, Harita Nickel will continue to develop more innovative and inclusive communication strategies, ensuring that all stakeholders remain engaged in the company’s sustainability journey.
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<p>To read Harita Nickel Magazine Edition III, Insan Harita can access it via the following link:&nbsp; <a href="https://bit.ly/MajalahHaritaNickelEdisi3">https://bit.ly/MajalahHaritaNickelEdisi3</a>
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