This chapter explores the dark side of the nickel industry in Indonesia, focusing on the hazardous working conditions and fatal accidents faced by workers and local residents. It narrates the tragic story of Jonathan's death at a nickel smelting facility and sheds light on the environmental and health risks associated with nickel processing. The chapter also addresses the global impact of the EV revolution, highlighting the importance of affordable nickel production for electric vehicle batteries.
Indonesia’s nickel business is booming. The metal is a key component in electric car batteries, but its success has a dark side: the country’s nickel mines and processing plants have a history of fatal accidents, with workers being run over by forklifts and burnt to death in smelter fires.
Today on The Big Take Asia, host Janet Paskin speaks with Bloomberg Businessweek editor Matt Campbell about his investigation into the mines. He found that nickel sourced from these plants are present in the supply chain that feeds virtually every major seller of EVs, and is an indispensable part of the car industry’s green revolution.
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