Uncovering the Features of Nickel Flows in China

Nickel is a critical metal due to its importance in social development with major applications in both low- and high-tech aspects. Several studies have focused on nickel production and consumption in China, but the end uses, international trade, and recycling perspectives remain unknown. This study aims to quantify China's annual nickel flows from 2000 to 2019 by applying dynamic material flow analysis. Results show that a large amount of nickel, including 1.65 mega-tons (Mt) in minerals from domestic mining, 12 Mt in various imported products, had been consumed in China from 2000 to 2019, with 2.65 Mt exported to other countries. However, only 0.84 Mt of nickel was recycled, while 4 Mt of nickel was lost in several life stages. The surge of nickel consumption during this period was mainly caused by the rise of stainless-steel industry. Such a consumption trend will continue in the stainless-steel sector and electric vehicles sector, leading to high reliance on import and corresponding carbon emission. Several recommendations are raised from policy, technology, and capacity-building perspectives so that nickel industry can achieve sustainable development.