The Australian nickel sector fought back today against its price pressure, arguing that it is the one metal that can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases. Addressing the first day in Perth of the 2008 Paydirt Australian Nickel Conference, Nickel Institute President, Stephen Barnett, said nickel’s sustainable characteristics were the ‘green factors’ argument that the industry had to put to government and the community as a climate contributor, not as a hazardous material.

“Nickel has a long life, materials used and produced from nickel tend to be around a long time and are used and used again as a recyclable resource, and are major components of energy facilities such as emission saving nuclear power plants.

“Nickel and nickel technology are proving sustainable, and are the solution to many manufacturing challenges; alloys needed in hydro power stations or for high strength blades in wind turbines – all contributors to clean air and emission reductions.

“As a metal, nickel’s greenhouse gas emissions profile in production and use is significantly the smallest of the key metals such as steel, copper and aluminium – and it is the life cycle that matters for the planet.

“Its corrosion resistant and unique characteristics are increasingly value adding to facilities that are charged with delivering clean water, clean food, waste water, water distribution, desalination, gas and water piping networks, milk production, electric transport hybrids, roofing insulation and alloy moulds for lighter jet aircraft and such products as hydrid batteries. So nickel’s long-term future is bright but it has to address its social challenges.”