**1. Indonesia**
Indonesia is the largest nickel reserves holder in the world, with an estimated 21 million metric tons of deposits. The country’s nickel production has been increasing in recent years, driven by the growing demand for nickel in electric vehicle batteries and other industries. Indonesia’s nickel reserves are mainly located in Sulawesi, Halmahera, and Ceram.
**2. Philippines**
The Philippines is the second-largest country in terms of nickel reserves, with around 9.6 million metric tons. The country’s nickel mining industry has faced challenges due to environmental concerns and regulatory issues. However, the Philippines remains a significant player in the global nickel market, with its nickel reserves primarily found in the Zambales and Surigao provinces.
**3. Australia**
Australia holds the third position with approximately 8.6 million metric tons of nickel reserves. The country’s nickel production comes from large-scale mines such as the Murrin Murrin and Mount Keith operations in Western Australia. Australia’s nickel reserves are distributed across various states, including Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania.
**4. Brazil**
Brazil is another major player in the global nickel market, with around 6.5 million metric tons of nickel reserves. The country’s nickel deposits are primarily located in the Carajas mineral province in the northern region. Brazil’s nickel production is supported by large mining companies such as Vale, which operates nickel mines in the region.
**5. Russia**
Russia holds significant nickel reserves, with approximately 6.1 million metric tons. The country’s nickel production is concentrated in the Norilsk region, known for its rich nickel-copper-palladium deposits. Russia’s nickel reserves are crucial for supplying the global market, particularly in stainless steel and battery manufacturing.
**6. Canada**
Canada is another key player in the nickel market, with around 5.5 million metric tons of reserves. The country’s nickel deposits are mainly located in the Sudbury Basin in Ontario, one of the largest and oldest mining regions in North America. Canada’s nickel production is essential for meeting the demand from industries such as aerospace and transportation.
**7. Cuba**
Cuba boasts significant nickel reserves, estimated at approximately 5.5 million metric tons. The country’s nickel industry is centered around the Moa Bay mining complex, operated as a joint venture with a Canadian mining company. Cuba’s nickel reserves play a crucial role in supplying nickel to global markets, particularly for stainless steel and battery applications.
**8. New Caledonia**
New Caledonia is a small island territory with substantial nickel reserves, totaling around 4.9 million metric tons. The country’s nickel industry is vital for its economy, with large-scale nickel mining operations such as the Koniambo mine. New Caledonia’s nickel reserves are crucial for meeting the demand from industries such as construction and infrastructure development.
**9. China**
China is among the top countries in terms of nickel reserves, with approximately 4.8 million metric tons. The country’s nickel production is driven by the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry, which uses nickel in batteries. China’s nickel reserves are spread across various provinces, with significant deposits in regions like Yunnan and Jilin.
Overall, these countries collectively hold the majority of the world’s nickel reserves, playing a crucial role in meeting the global demand for this vital metal in various industries. As the demand for nickel continues to grow, these countries are expected to remain key players in the global nickel market.
