Rush for nickel is ravaging the environment
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Aug 2023
The demand for nickel, which is used in mobile ‘phones and electric car batteries besides stainless steel, is likely to grow at least 65% by 2030, according to a new report by International Energy Agency.
Indonesia, the world’s largest nickel producer, is expected to cater to at least two thirds of the world’s needs for this critical metal for green technology. The country has already signed deals worth billions of dollars with international players keen to invest in nickel processing plants as well as nickel mining. Conservationists, however, opine that mining for nickel could have a devastating effect on the Indonesia’s environment.
A report by BBC quoting data from the Indonesian government, said that about 50 nickel mining companies are currently operating in North Konawe Regency area across the Labengki Island of Indonesia.
Trees in large areas are cut down and the land is excavated to create open pits to mine the ‘new gold’ as nickel is locally referred to now. With the roots of the trees no longer present to stabilise the ground, the earth is swept away when it rains.
Government data shows that in 2022 there were at least 21 floods and mudslides in Southeast Sulawesi. Between 2005 and 2008, before the proliferation of mines, there were only two to three landslides per year, according to the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure.
A study published in February 2023 in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering found that one of the greatest challenges in nickel mining was the siltation of streams, rivers and estuaries, which has negative impacts to farming and fishing communities living close to the mine sites. M