One of Earth’s most important marine regions is under threat. Corals, fish, turtles, and more are at risk. A new report says current methods of nickel mining in Indonesia are partly to blame.
Indonesia has the world’s largest known nickel reserves. It has rich deposits of cobalt, bauxite, and other materials. Demand is high for these materials. They are used in making stainless steel, electric vehicle batteries, and more.
Raja Ampat Regency is a cluster of tropical islands near West Papua, Indonesia. Just south of the equator, the islands are home to 75% of the world’s coral species. They host over 1,600 fish species, plus endangered sea turtles and manta rays.
The conservation group Auriga Nusantara is looking closely at the area. It found a rapid rise in land turned into mining pits. In fact, land used for mining in Raja Ampat has tripled in the last five years.
Many experts fear that continued mining growth without attention to potential harm will lead to water pollution and further loss of natural forests. They also warn of damage to the area’s ecosystem.
Felled trees and open pits of gravel and dirt scar the islands where mining has started, according to Auriga Nusantara. Sediment from the mines is visible along the islands’ coasts.
“As long as the nickel mining continues to operate, the sediment will destroy coral and its surrounding ocean ecosystem,” states Timer Manurung. He is director of Auriga Nusantara. “It’s really a threat for Raja Ampat.”
The island nation has faced backlash from international and local watchdogs for various environmental concerns.
Victor Nikijuluw is an advisor for an Indonesia-based organization. “This muddy flow from mining . . . smothers coral reefs, [and] displaces the animals that can leave the area,” he says.
Many local people rely on the area for their livelihoods. Mining is one of those. Others include fishing for food and tourism-related activities. Marine ecologist Edy Setyawan says water quality has dropped since mining began.
“They’ve seen the water get murkier and murkier,” he says.
In March 2024, an Indonesia court gave small islands protection from abnormally dangerous activities—including mining.
Despite the ruling, Indonesia’s government is still issuing mining permits for small islands, says researcher Sayyidatiihayaa Afra.
“The energy transition—including nickel mining—should not ignore environmental regulations,” she says. “Otherwise, it’s neither just [nor] sustainable.”
The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. — Psalm 24:1
