Eramet Pursues New Opportunities in Indonesia to Boost Its Nickel Portfolio

French miner Eramet is expanding its Indonesian footprint, Indonesia’s investment minister said Tuesday, as the company embarks on new exploration activities in South Sulawesi and Papua. In a post on his Instagram account, Rosan Roeslani detailed his meeting on Monday with Eramet Group CEO Christel Bories, during which the French firm laid out its latest investment plans. According to Roeslani, Eramet is not only scouting for untapped mineral deposits in these regions but is also advancing plans for a Responsible Green Electric Vehicle project with several strategic partners.

Eramet’s longstanding operation in Indonesia centers on its Weda Bay nickel mine in Halmahera, a facility that has been a cornerstone in the company’s global nickel production portfolio. The new exploration efforts come amid a broader push by Indonesia to leverage its abundant mineral resources and boost domestic value addition, particularly as the global market for nickel—vital for electric vehicle batteries—continues to expand. Recent data from the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources shows that the country remains the world’s leading exporter of nickel, reinforcing the strategic importance of diversifying mining activities within its borders.

In recent years, Eramet has signaled its intention to broaden its resource base as part of an effort to meet rising global demand. The company’s focus on exploring new areas in South Sulawesi and Papua aligns with Jakarta’s policy drive to attract foreign investment and enhance the technical capabilities of its mineral processing sector. Industry observers note that such moves are becoming increasingly common among global mining companies, which are seeking to capitalize on Indonesia’s rich mineral endowments while adhering to higher environmental and social governance standards.

The Responsible Green Electric Vehicle project, as described by Roeslani, is expected to forge new partnerships aimed at ensuring that the mining and processing of critical minerals meet stringent sustainability criteria. This initiative is one of several being pursued in Indonesia by international firms to support the burgeoning electric vehicle industry—a sector that has witnessed robust growth amid a global shift toward clean energy. Analysts have pointed to similar projects in the region, including those by other major players in the nickel sector, as evidence that sustainable mining practices are becoming a central focus for investors.