Jakarta and London are buzzing with news that Stellantis, the powerhouse behind renowned auto brands like Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep, is in discussions with Vale Indonesia and China’s Huayou Cobalt. They’re envisioning an investment in a new operation that would transform lower-grade nickel into high-grade material essential for electric vehicle batteries. This collaboration marks a significant Western investment in Indonesia’s flourishing nickel sector.
Financial insiders have revealed that this negotiation could lead to constructing a high-pressure acid leaching facility. Such a plant would specialize in upgrading Indonesia’s abundant low-grade nickel ore into a form suitable for battery production, a crucial step for Stellantis as it accelerates its electric vehicle initiatives.
The move signifies a pivotal moment for Indonesia’s position in the global nickel market, promising economic benefits for the country and solidifying its status as a key player in the international battery materials supply chain.
