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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