Raja Ampat Faces Renewed Nickel Mining Threat Amidst Expansion Plans

Raja Ampat remains under threat from nickel mining expansion, as three companies are in the process of obtaining new permits, adding to existing operations. A Greenpeace Indonesia report, titled "The Unprotected Paradise," highlights that these three companies are seeking permits for nickel mining in the eastern part of Waigeo Island, Southwest Papua. The companies in question are PT Raja Ampat Nikel Abadi (RANA), PT Waegeo Mineral Mining (WMM), and PT Eka Kurnia Baru (EKB). According to Greenpeace, RANA is a new nickel company that is planning to conduct socialization activities with residents of Urbinasopen Village throughout 2025. Anggi Putra Prayoga, a forest campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia, stated that RANA's concession area is not yet clear, and there is a possibility the company will mine in Urbinasopen Village. Provincial government information suggests they will extract nickel in areas near Yenbekaki Village. "There has been no rejection from the community in Urbinasopen Village, which is home to one of the shareholders," Anggi told Mongabay Indonesia. Meanwhile, EKB and WMM have held mining permits for a long time. The Regent of Raja Ampat issued two production operation permits for EKB in 2013 for different commodities. The first is a nickel mining IUP (Mining Business License) numbered 317, covering an area of 6,438 hectares and valid until 2033. The second is a coal mining IUP numbered 286, also valid until 2033. As of early 2023, these IUPs had not been included in the "List of IUPs Meeting Provisions" by the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) to allow them to operate. Anggi mentioned that EKB subsequently filed two lawsuits against the Directorate General of Minerba at the State Administrative Court (PTUN) Jakarta concerning these two IUPs. The first lawsuit was filed on August 1, 2023, with case number 349/G/TF/2023/PTUN.JKT. Raja Ampat, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and stunning natural beauty, is a globally recognized diving destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The expansion of nickel mining operations raises significant concerns about the potential impact on this fragile ecosystem. Past mining developments in neighboring areas have led to environmental degradation, and local communities and environmental groups are deeply worried about soil and water contamination, as well as the effects on marine life. Source: Mongabay Indonesia