Stark evidence of the environmental damage and looming threats caused by nickel mining in Raja Ampat has been revealed for the first time in a startling new report exposing the extent of operations that endanger more than six thousand acres of coral reefs.

Produced by Earth Insight in partnership with the Indonesian environmental organisation, Auriga Nusantara, the report reveals that over 22,000 hectares of nickel mining concessions now threaten the islands which form part of the Coral Triangle – an area of Southeast Asian seas containing the richest marine biodiversity on earth.

With evidence gathered from maps and photographs captured across the region, the report – Red Alert: Nickel Mining Threats to Raja Ampat – indicates that some 6,000 acres of coral reefs, 17,500 acres of forest cover, and the livelihoods of over 64,000 Indigenous and local community members across the 9 million acre archipelago are now under threat.

Raja Ampat – known as the Crown Jewel of Marine Biodiversity – lies within the Coral Triangle, the habitat of 75% of the world’s shallow-water coral species, more than 1,600 fish species, and the largest reef manta ray population.

The region is also home to Indigenous Papuan and other communities who depend on its pristine waters and forests for their cultural identity, food security, and economic survival.

Despite claims made by the Indonesian government that four nickel permits were to be revoked following mass public outcry earlier this year, there remains little evidence that any of those permits were actually taken back. There is also no evidence that any environmental restoration is being planned in the impacted islands.

In fact, the nickel mining company, PT Gag Nickel resumed its operations on Gag Island earlier this month. The Indonesian government claims however that these activities do not impact the ecosystems under supposed protection within the UNESCO Global Geopark.

The report goes on to illustrate that land used for mining in Raja Ampat has expanded three times faster between 2020 and 2024 compared to the previous five years. As a result, critical species including manta rays, five species of protected turtles, and other marine life now face threats from nickel sedimentation and noise pollution.

Meanwhile, artisanal fishers report that noise and vibrations from mining have scared away fish and dolphins while there are fears that continued mining could jeopardise Raja Ampat’s UNESCO Geopark designation, one which attracted over 19,000 tourists in 2023.

“Our research shows that nickel mining in Raja Ampat creates a domino effect of destruction – from direct forest clearing to sediment runoff that suffocates coral reefs to the displacement of marine species that local communities depend upon,” said Timer Manurung, Director at Auriga Nusantara.

“The Indonesian government must recognize that short-term mining profits pale in comparison to the long-term value of intact ecosystems that support both biodiversity and tourism economies. We call for the immediate and permanent cancellation of all remaining mining concessions in Raja Ampat.”

Indonesia has recently positioned itself as the ‘OPEC of nickel’ in order to meet the growing global demand for electric vehicle batteries. The report has clearly demonstrated that nickel extraction in ecologically sensitive areas like Raja Ampat creates cascading environmental damage that extends beyond mining sites themselves.

“Raja Ampat represents one of the planet’s most irreplaceable marine ecosystems, yet our analysis shows it remains significantly threatened from the nickel mining industry that poses fundamental danger to its coral reefs, marine life, and Indigenous communities,” said Tiffany Hsu, Spatial Analyst at Earth Insight.

“While the government’s recent permit revocations were a positive step, the remaining concessions and ongoing legal challenges by mining companies mean this global treasure is far from safe. Complete protection requires the permanent removal of all mining concessions from the archipelago.”

Beyond immediate environmental damage, the analysis reveals how nickel mining in Raja Ampat constitutes “dual marginalization” of small island communities – meaning they are excluded from permit decision-making processes but bear the full burden of environmental consequences. As customary forests disappear, fishing grounds turn red, and shores darken with nickel dust, ancient biocultural practices are at risk of extinction.

The report calls on the Indonesian government to permanently cancel all mining concessions in Raja Ampat, establish enforceable “no-go zone” protections for the entire archipelago, and prioritise sustainable alternatives that protect both biodiversity and community livelihoods while supporting Indonesia’s commitment to marine conservation leadership.

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