Environmental and human rights concerns arise from Chinese-backed nickel mining in Indonesia

A report highlights severe environmental and Indigenous rights violations by a Chinese-backed nickel industrial project in Indonesia, escalating tensions in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.

Resty Woro Yuniar reports for South China Morning Post.

In short:

The U.S.-based Climate Rights International (CRI) accuses the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park, funded by China, of significant environmental damage and rights abuses in Maluku.
The report emphasizes the risks of Indonesia's ambition to be a key player in the global EV battery market, highlighting issues of safety, land rights and environmental degradation.
Concerns include fatal accidents, deforestation, water pollution, and inadequate compensation for land taken from local residents.

Key quote:

“The lack of meaningful government oversight of the nickel industry as demonstrated in our report is a serious cause for concern.”

— Krista Shennum, researcher at CRI

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