The 2025 international nickel scrap metal trading benchmark price references LME spot nickel scrap metal prices. On September 11, spot electrolytic nickel scrap metal was quoted at $12,176 per ton, marking a weekly decline of 2.25%. Russian-origin electrolytic nickel scrap metal was quoted at $15,165/ton, while Australian nickel scrap metal were priced at $15,215/ton.
Electrolytic nickel scrap metal prices typically command a 10-15% premium over pure nickel, depending on coating integrity and base metal composition. Current European market quotes for electroplating nickel scrap metal range from $13,900 to $14,300 per ton, with North American prices slightly higher by 2-3%.
Buyers generally require Material Test Certificates (MTC) and conduct on-site composition verification using handheld XRF analyzers. Testing of electroplating nickel scrap metal should focus on copper and iron impurity levels.
All nickel scrap metal prices listed herein are market reference prices for informational purposes only! For precise quotations, please contact DONGSHENG precious metal recycling.
International nickel scrap metal prices is tiered by form and composition. The table below provides reference prices for mainstream grades:
| Grade | Price Range (USD/ton) | Characteristics & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Pure nickel scrap metal | 14,800-15,300 | Ni content ≥99%, no coating contamination |
| Electrolytic nickel scrap metal | 13,900-14,500 | Coating intact, substrate copper or stainless steel |
| Nickel-Iron Alloy Scrap | 8,200-9,700 | Nickel content 20-40%, composition report required |
| Copper nickel scrap | 6,500-7,800 | Copper-nickel alloy, both metals ≥30% |
| Nickel scrap metal with precious metal plating | Negotiable price | Contains gold, silver, palladium, or other precious metal plating |
Electrolytic nickel scrap metal should be stored in a dry environment to prevent plating oxidation. U.S. metal powder manufacturer Continuum Powders has achieved a technological breakthrough in processing electrolytic nickel scrap metal into 3D printing powder, with a weekly processing capacity of nearly 1 ton.
Copper nickel scrap prices depends on the copper-nickel ratio, with current European market quotes ranging from $6,500 to $7,800 per ton. In the Japanese market, Copper nickel scrap prices are approximately ¥550,000 to ¥650,000 per ton.
Copper nickel scrap prices exhibited an “M”-shaped fluctuation pattern over the past five years. From 2019 to 2020, affected by the pandemic, prices hovered between $4,200 and $5,300 per ton. From 2021 to 2022, driven by surging demand from the new energy industry, prices soared to a high range of $8,500 to $9,200 per ton.
In 2023, increased global inventories caused Copper nickel scrap prices to retreat to the $6,800–7,600/ton range. Following the resumption of Indonesian supply in early 2024, prices stabilized at $6,500–7,800/ton.
The U.S. market price for Copper nickel scrap currently hovers between $5,000 and $6,000 per ton. Note that a 15-20% price differential exists between copper-nickel alloys used in heat exchangers and those used in electronic components.
nickel scrap metal with precious metal coatings employs a differentiated prices model. Gold-plated nickel scrap metal commands a premium of 92-95% of the gold content value over the base nickel price; palladium-plated nickel scrap metal commands a premium of 88-92% of the palladium content value; silver-plated nickel scrap metal commands a premium of 85-90% of the silver content value.
Electrolytic nickel materials with precious metal coatings require separation and extraction via pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical techniques. U.S. suppliers typically quote gold-plated electrolytic nickel scrap metal at: Nickel value + (Gold price × 95% × Gold weight) - Processing fee ($300–500/ton).
Language
