Ecosystem and Climate Impacts
Deforestation from land-intensive mining practices leads to biodiversity loss and disrupts carbon sequestration, with biomass carbon emissions from land clearing often overlooked in sustainability assessments. In Indonesia alone, nickel mining has caused over 5,300 hectares of deforestation on Halmahera Island. Recent research shows nickel mining’s land footprint is 4–500 times larger than previously estimated, worsening climate risks when forests with “irrecoverable carbon” (e.g., old-growth rainforests) are cleared.
Pollution and Resource Degradation
- Water contamination: Heavy metals from mining waste pollute waterways, harming aquatic ecosystems and public health. In Indonesia, communities near the Weda Bay Industrial Park report polluted rivers and coastal waters.
- Air pollution: Fossil fuel use during processing emits sulfur oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. Some energy-intensive refining methods double the carbon footprint of nickel-rich batteries compared to conventional processes.
- Tailings mismanagement: Nickel and copper mining generates increasing volumes of waste rock and tailings, raising risks of long-term environmental damage.
Social and Regulatory Challenges
Mining activities often involve land rights violations and forced displacement of Indigenous communities, as seen in Indonesia’s Halmahera project. Weak environmental regulations in major producing countries exacerbate these issues. While recycling currently meets 68% of nickel demand, the projected doubling of production by 2050 underscores the urgency of sustainable mining practices and stricter ESG oversight.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-nickel-mining-for-ev-batteries/
