Nickel Mining Threatens Indonesia’s Coral Haven, NGOs Warn

Nickel mining is posing a severe threat to one of the world’s most important marine biodiversity and coral hotspots in Indonesia, despite the government revoking several permits, a report warned on Thursday.

An analysis of recent and historic mining activity in the region revealed a “domino effect of destruction”, stretching from deforestation on land to sediment run-off smothering coral reefs, according to a report by NGOs Auriga Nusantara and Earth Insight.

"Post-mining rehabilitation is very poor," said Timer Manurung, executive director of Auriga Nusantara.
"We worry that the current nickel mining will impact Raja Ampat for decades to come."

Raja Ampat, part of the famed Coral Triangle, is renowned among divers for its abundant marine life and pristine coral reefs.

In June, Indonesia’s government revoked permits for four of the five nickel mining companies operating in the cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province, following outcry from activists and local residents over the environmental impact of mining the metal, used in everything from stainless steel to electric vehicles.

In September, the government allowed one company, PT Gag Nikel, to resume operations, arguing that the environmental impact “can be properly mitigated.”

However, NGOs warn that significant damage has already been done, and little evidence of clean-up exists.

Images captured by the groups show sediment run-off turning otherwise emerald waters murky brown, descending from stripped hilltops. Bleached and damaged coral was documented at current and former mining sites, near jetties, and in areas affected by sedimentation.

While climate change-induced warming has caused coral bleaching worldwide, Timer noted that coral just 50–100 metres (160–320 feet) away from the surveyed areas remained healthy.

NGOs also fear mining could restart, highlighting that no formal revocation letter has yet been published by the government.

"Even though there is no active mining operation on sites, the staff of the companies and their heavy machinery are still present," Timer said.

Indonesia’s mineral resources ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Until earlier this year, nickel mining concessions covered 22,000 hectares (54,300 acres) of the Raja Ampat region's 3.66 million hectares, much of it within a UNESCO Global Geopark.

UNESCO recognises these areas for their “international geological significance”, intended to be managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. Gag Nikel’s operations lie outside the Geopark.

Indonesia holds the world’s largest nickel reserves and has sought to boost domestic processing to capture more of the mineral’s value chain.

Environmental Impact Overview

NGOs warn that without strict oversight, Raja Ampat’s priceless marine ecosystems could face long-term degradation, undermining both biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on eco-tourism and fisheries.