Indonesia is Suffering the Consequences of China's EV Explosion

Electric vehicle naysayers love to talk about the environmental impact of mining raw materials for batteries. While those arguments are often rooted in some degree of truth, they’re generally made as the only argument and are levied without much evidence for support. Though it’s true that mining and processing nickel, cobalt, lithium, and other materials is awful for the environment, we’re learning more about the geopolitical and financial implications of the practice. 

Jalopnik reported that a Chinese nickel refinery’s operation in Indonesia is destroying the local ecosystem and accelerating the decline in natural habitats for wildlife. The Indonesia Morwali Industrial Park is located on a large island in the country and has released so much pollution over the last ten years that locals can’t fish or use the water. 

People report warming waters and fewer fish, and in some cases, the once-bountiful rivers have turned into trickling streams of mud. Workers at the facility report sickness from inhaling chemicals and ash from the mining processes. For China, the impacts are far away and seemingly unimportant. Its financial resources and size give it a great deal of power in the arrangement, as the giant nation has invested billions and amassed a 61 percent stake in the total nickel production. 

As Jalopnik pointed out, the negative impacts of this partnership are felt solely by Indonesia. China is some 5,000 miles away from the island nation and has little concern for the destruction happening so far from its doorstep. As demand for electric vehicles accelerates, we’re likely to hear about more of these situations, and other such problems are going on right now. 

Earlier this year, Tesla agreed to invest billions of dollars in nickel and a potential battery factory in the country over the next few years. It seems odd that Indonesia would continue pursuing such investments, knowing the havoc they wreak on its environment. Still, it’s likely tough for the country’s leaders to ignore the goldmi-I mean, nickel mine under their feet.

[Image: jafriyalbule via Shutterstock]

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