Mumbai: Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL) has entered into a collaboration agreement (Collaboration Agreement) with New Yaking Pte. Ltd. in Indonesia to ensure the long-term availability of nickel.
The deal involves investment in a Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) smelter facility located in an industrial park in Indonesias Halmahera Islands, its development, construction, and operation.
As part of the agreement, JSL will acquire a 49% equity interest for a consideration of around $157 million.
The strategic collaboration offers the benefits of backward integration as JSL would have a stake in the business of NPI.
The facility is planned to be commissioned within two years, with an annual nameplate production capacity of up to 200,000 metric tonnes of NPI with an average of 14% Ni Content.
This is the first-ever strategic partnership entered into by an Indian company for securing a stake in nickel reserves globally as India is deficient in nickel ore.
Commenting on the move, Jindal Stainless MD Abhyuday Jindal said, This path-breaking collaboration will enhance value for stakeholders with JSL acquiring a stake in nickel supply to create raw material security for its stainless-steel operations. This acquisition will usher a sharper competitive advantage to JSL in Indian and international markets.
The nickel price trend has been a key factor in the stainless steel business across the globe.
Further, geo?political issues, logistical hurdles, pandemic-induced constraints, etc. often affect the demand-supply dynamics of nickel, thereby increasing the cost and uncertainty for its user industries such as stainless steel.
Currently, JSL meets the bulk of its nickel requirement through stainless steel scrap and NPI/ ferro nickel and this collaboration will secure an ample supply of NPI for JSL.
