Su, C;
Geng, Y;
van Ewijk, S;
Borrion, A;
Zhang, C;
(2025)
Uncovering the evolution of the global Nickel cycle and trade networks.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
, 215
, Article 108164. 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108164.
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Abstract
Nickel is a critical metal for achieving a low carbon future. The sustainable nickel supply depends on international trade patterns, but there is a lack of understanding of its recent evolution. This study combines material flow analysis and social network analysis to examine the global nickel flows for the period of 2000–2022. The results show that the global nickel production and consumption have experienced steady growth. During this study period, about 62 million tons (Mt) of nickel were consumed, with 40 Mt from mining and 22 Mt from recycling. Furthermore, the global nickel trade network was mainly composed by several trade groups, implying potential supply risks. These findings provide valuable insights to prepare necessary nickel management measures. Several policy recommendations were proposed to improve the overall nickel resource efficiency, such as the diversification of primary nickel supply, the improvement of nickel recycling, as well as the reduction of nickel consumption and nickel substitution. International cooperation is the key to achieve this target since advanced technologies and relevant information and data can be shared.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Uncovering the evolution of the global Nickel cycle and trade networks |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108164 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108164 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Nickel, Trade-linked material flow analysis, Social network analysis, International trade, Recycling |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Civil, Environ and Geomatic Eng |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10205811 |
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