Weiming Launches Nickel Cathode Production in Zhejiang Province

Weiming

Chinese Manufacturer Aims to Boost Nickel Output with New Facility

Weiming, a major Chinese environmental protection equipment manufacturer, has started producing nickel cathodes at its subsidiary, Weiming Shengqing, located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. This development marks a significant milestone as the company ramps up its nickel production capacity to meet growing global demand for the metal.

The first phase of the project is focused on a 25,000-tonne-per-year (t/yr) production capacity for nickel cathodes. Weiming is progressing well with this phase, and it expects to complete the second phase—also adding another 25,000 t/yr—by the first half of 2025. Once fully operational, the plant will contribute significantly to China's nickel supply, which is essential for battery production and other industrial applications.

Sourcing Raw Materials for Cathode Production

Weiming uses nickel matte and mixed-hydroxide-precipitate (MHP) as the primary feedstocks for its nickel cathode production. In August 2024, the company received its first shipment of nickel matte from Indonesia, amounting to 1,429 tons. This shipment marks a key milestone in Weiming’s strategy to secure reliable and sustainable sources of raw materials for its operations.

The company also operates the Jiaman high nickel matte project in Indonesia in partnership with Merit International Capital. This project, with a nameplate capacity of 40,000 tons per year of nickel metal equivalent, is poised to further support Weiming’s nickel supply chain. Located in the Weda Bay region of North Maluku Province, the project features four production lines, each capable of producing 10,000 tons of nickel metal equivalent annually.

Future Outlook for Weiming's Nickel Production

As the demand for nickel continues to rise, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery sectors, Weiming's expansion into nickel cathode production strengthens its position in the global metals market. The company’s strategic investments in Indonesia, alongside its domestic production capacity, will help ensure a steady supply of nickel to meet both local and international demand.

With the second phase of the production facility expected to complete by mid-2025, Weiming is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in global nickel production. This expansion reflects broader trends in the metals industry, where companies are focusing on securing sustainable and high-quality feedstocks to support the green energy transition.

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