Eramet restarts nickel mine in Indonesia

Eramet

10/09/2026 09:02

PARIS, Sept 10 (Reuters) - French group Eramet ERMT.PA is restarting operations at the Weda Bay nickel mine in Indonesia after suspending output earlier this year when it used up a reduced mining quota.
Indonesia, the world's biggest nickel producer, cut mining volume permits this year as part of steps to exert greater control over commodity exports and prices.
Eramet said in a statement that the mining operations of PT Weda Bay Nickel (PT WBN) are resuming progressively with the authorisation of the Indonesian authorities.
Eramet will provide an update of 2026 guidance for external nickel ore sales in due course and PT WBN continues constructive dialogue with the Indonesian authorities, the French firm said.
The statement did not indicate if PT WBN had obtained an additional mining allowance and an Eramet spokesperson declined to comment further.
Eramet shares rose about 5% in opening trade in Paris before paring gains.
Uncertainty over mining permits in Indonesia has contributed to poor financial results at the group, which is planning a capital increase and stake sales in some activities.
The Weda Bay mine, the world's largest for nickel, was put on care and maintenance in May after Eramet said an initial production allowance of 12 million wet metric tons for this year had been used up.
The 2026 volume compared with an initial allocation of 32 million wet metric tons in 2025.
Eramet jointly owns PT WBN alongside Chinese steel group Tsingshan and Indonesian state-owned PT Antam Tbk.


 (Reporting by Gus Trompiz
Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
 ((gus.trompiz@thomsonreuters.com;))