The process to convert nickel matte to high grader nickel is...

The process to convert nickel matte to high grader nickel is pyrometallurgical, which means it needs heat (energy), which means somewhere between 3 to 10 times more emissions than the traditional processing technique. It also requires the addition of sulphur which will lead to sulphur dioxide pollution (acid rain) and widespread health problems in local communities.

Then, there is the additional cost. Creating nickel matte from NPI translates into a costs somewhere around US$7.00+ per lb. This compares to the NPI cost of $3.50 to $4.50.

Remember that nickel matte and NPI currently sell for about the same price.Why would producers spend more to create nickel matte when they receive the same price for it?

The high emissions means EU and Biden's United States won't accept that material. Tesla won't want it for their American/EU vehicles at least. VW, Toyota, Ford, GM, etc won't want it.

The only buyer might be budget Chinese car makers in the domestic market and even then, there will be a price to pay for such huge emissions.