- Annual quota approvals replace earlier three-year system
- Industry flags nickel supply concerns amid 2026 RKAB delays
Indonesia is set to begin accepting applications for the 2027 Mining Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) from October 2026, with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) urging the government to clearly disclose the criteria and methodology used to determine nickel ore production quotas.
Kadin has called for greater transparency on how factors such as production capacity, domestic and smelter demand, market conditions, mineral reserves, company compliance and export demand will influence quota allocations. It also urged the government to provide a clear approval timeline, as delays could disrupt mining plans, sales contracts, equipment utilisation and supply commitments.
Under Indonesia’s current regulations, 2027 RKAB applications can be submitted from 1 October to 15 November, with annual approvals replacing the earlier three-year system. Concerns have increased following delays in the approval of 2026 RKAB amendments, with some companies still awaiting decisions.
Indonesia’s proposed 2026 nickel ore production quota is around 260-270 million tonnes (mnt), significantly below the 379 mnt approved under the 2025 framework. The final 2026 volume remains subject to revisions.
The government also plans to introduce additional tax-compliance requirements as part of the RKAB application process from 2027.
Given the strong link between Indonesian nickel ore availability and NPI and stainless steel production, the scale and timing of 2027 RKAB approvals will remain a key supply-side factor for the global nickel and stainless steel markets.
Note: This article is published as part of a content exchange agreement between SteelDaily and BigMint.
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