A key part of the current energy transition, nickel is one of the specialties of Eramet, which is a major producer in this sector. The Group is one of the world's leading producer of ferronickel, thanks to its world-class mining facilities in New Caledonia, which have been operated by its subsidiary Société Le Nickel (SLN) for over 100 years. In May 2020, Eramet also started producing Nickel ferroalloy using ore from Weda Bay in Indonesia, considered as one of the world's major deposits.
In a world where natural resources are dwindling, every element from one production process is a raw material for another industry. These are the fundamentals of the circular economy, which is being resolutely implemented at Eramet and SLN through new, more responsible, more virtuous practices, combined with close local ties. Lastly, the Group works alongside its customers to help them make full use of these products in their own production processes.
What is nickel used for?
The fifth-most-abundant element on earth, nickel (Ni) has physical and chemical properties that make it indispensable in the manufacture of thousands of everyday products. Moreover, it is entirely recyclable, with no reduction in quality. More than two thirds of the world's production is used to produce stainless steel in the construction, chemical and health sectors. Thanks to the fact that nickel can maintain its mechanical properties at high temperatures, it is also used in special steels and superalloys, for example in the aeronautical industry. In addition, it provides greater energy density for batteries used in electric vehicles.
