The War for the Critical Metal is Divided into Two Battles: Deforestation and Environmental Risk Nickel, a fundamental component in the production of electric batteries, often finds itself in ore deposits. However, its search has had significant costs on nature. In Indonesia, where most nickel ores are found, deforestation has been maximized to ensure adequate supply of this substance. The Tolaki tribe, an indigenous community, have lost their natural habitat, causing irreversible damage to their traditions and existence. 'This is a problem that concerns us all,' said Wadimula, an old Tolaki. 'If we destroy this place, we will also destroy ourselves.' Information about these metals' transportation channels has been studied by a group of journalists.

Nickel-based metals are used in many electric vehicle batteries because they increase energy density and extend driving range for vehicles. The hours of work on nickel mines have been meticulously followed, showing that the Nickel mining operations at Cahaya and Hengjaya caused extensive primary forest deforestation in inhabited areas of the Tolaki people.

An analysis based on satellite data reveals that Nickel mines have led to widespread primary forest deforestation in Tolaki inhabited lands.

This phenomenon is not just an environmental issue but also a public health risk because deforestation has led to the absence of trees, food, and shelter for wild animals. [Nissan, Ford, and Tesla, among the most popular companies in the electric vehicle sector, have involved these mining operations in the production of batteries. However, their decisions to approve these operations have had a significant impact on the nature of nickel ores, causing tree loss and environmental pollution.] The report suggests that companies providing these batteries should be more active in their environmental policies, seeking to minimize the environmental damage caused by their operations.

Furthermore, local and national authorities should take effective measures to protect nickel fields and ensure that operations are carried out responsibly.