Definition
Rotary Kiln–Electric Furnace – A nickel smelting route that first dries and partly reduces laterite ore in a rotary kiln, then melts it in an electric furnace to produce ferronickel or nickel pig iron. It is a mature, widely used process in Indonesia, and because the furnace is power-hungry its cost depends heavily on the electricity price and supply, which makes the choice of power source part of a smelter's economics. Found In: Segment and project disclosures (smelter capacity and construction), and management commentary