Country Report
Indonesia
Overview
Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer and a growing cobalt supplier, positioning itself as a key EV battery hub. The government's push to ban raw nickel exports and develop domestic smelting has attracted massive Chinese investment. Villages have been displaced, rivers polluted, and workers face hazardous conditions. Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses in the nickel mining industry. The rapid expansion has raised concerns over deforestation, tailings risks, and labor rights violations.
Map & Major Mines
Major mining areas: Sulawesi (Morowali, Weda Bay), Maluku (Halmahera), Papua.
Major Players
Companies: Tsingshan Holding, GEM, CATL, Vale Indonesia, Harita Group, Weda Bay Nickel
Governing Bodies: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, provincial governments, BKPM (investment board)