Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Indonesia’s most prominent nickel extraction enterprise, crucial to the global electric vehicle (EV) industry supply chain, failed to disclose water contamination near its operations. Recent disclosures reveal unsafe levels of hexavalent chromium (Cr6) in local drinking water sources.
Indonesia’s Nickel Dominance and Concerns
Indonesia has ascended to the top position in global nickel production, a vital component in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries. However, concerns have surfaced regarding the regulatory oversight lagging behind the rapid expansion of mining operations to meet surging global demand.
Contamination Discoveries
Internal documents obtained exclusively ahve indicated that a water source near a $1 billion mining venture, owned by the Harita Group on remote Obi Island, was tainted with hazardous levels of hexavalent chromium (Cr6). This chemical, infamous for its role in the Erin Brockovich case, is recognized for its carcinogenic properties.
Health Implications of Cr6 Exposure
- Liver damage
- Reproductive issues
- Developmental harm
- Stomach cancer through prolonged ingestion
Industrial activities, often at the root of chromium contamination, necessitate stringent monitoring to safeguard public health.
Initial Investigations and Company Responses
A prior inquiry revealed alarming pollution levels at the site, a claim disputed by the mining corporation, which specializes in nickel extraction for EV batteries.
During the initial investigation in 2022, water samples collected from a spring near the village of Kawasi, just 200 meters from the nickel mining site, revealed carcinogenic Cr6 levels of 60 parts per billion (ppb). This surpasses Indonesia’s legal limit of 50 ppb.
Discrepancies in Testing Results
In response to the initial findings, a Harita Group company asserted their tests demonstrated the spring water’s suitability for consumption, aligning with Indonesian standards.
Leaked Data and Hidden Findings
Recent leaks have uncovered that a company associated with the Harita Group detected Cr6 levels in Kawasi’s spring exceeding Indonesian standards just one day after their public statement. Subsequent tests revealed even higher concentrations, yet this information remained undisclosed.
Investigative Collaboration
The material was reviewed through a collaborative effort between the Guardian and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), alongside the environmental organization Gecko Project.
Chronology of Contamination Levels
- February 1, 2022: Cr6 concentrations reached 70 ppb.
- February 7, 2022: Levels spiked to 128 ppb.
- December 2022 Report: Recorded values climbed to 140 ppb.
The repetition of these high levels is indicative of a critical pollution problem.
Company’s Stance on Water Safety
The Harita Group, via a recent press release, maintained their commitment to periodic water quality monitoring at Kawasi spring to ensure it remains safe and uncontaminated. Despite requests for comment on the leaked data, the company has yet to respond.
Expert Opinions
Environmental health specialists have underlined the severity of the contamination, highlighting the urgency for both the company and the Indonesian government to address these findings.
The Need for a Just Transition
Matthew Baird, an environmental lawyer in South-East Asia, emphasized, “Nickel is integral to our transition to a green economy. We must ensure this shift protects the environment, human rights, and local communities.”