The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs has once again rejected the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI)’s proposal to allow nickel ore exports recommended this month.

APNI said the withdrawal of the ban could mitigate the impact on processed nickel exports caused by the global prevention measures due to COVID-19 epidemic outbreak.

According to the ministry, lifting the export ban will lead to a drop in global nickel prices amid the weakening steel demand worldwide.

Indonesia has implemented the export ban on nickel ore since January this year in order to boost the expansion of the domestic smelting industry.