Indonesia revokes mining permits in dive hotspot

INDONESIA revoked permits yesterday for four of the five mining companies operating in the eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat after activists shared videos of islands damaged by nickel extraction.

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The cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world’s most pristine reefs, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot.

Indonesia has the world’s largest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal, which is used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel, and a 2020 export ban has spurred a domestic industrial boom.

Last week, Greenpeace Indonesia published videos showing environmental damage to three islands because of nickel mining projects, including one clip which racked up more than 15 million Instagram views.

President Prabowo Subianto “decided that the government will revoke the mining business licence of four companies in Raja Ampat’, state secretariat minister Prasetyo Hadi told reporters.

Energy and mineral resources minister Bahlil Lahadalia said “they have violated” regulations.

“We believe this region must be protected,” he said.