"The Extension Impact of Nickel Industry Activities in Weda Bay Central Halmahera, North Maluku, Indonesia" April 2025

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Central Halmahera, particularly Weda Bay, is a hotspot for nickel mining and processing. The Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) operates large-scale mining and smelting facilities. The area relies on coal-fired power plants, contradicting Indonesia’s clean energy goals. Industrial expansion has led to land conflicts, loss of natural resources for Indigenous groups, and rising health concerns due to an influx of migrant workers and pollution-related diseases. The industry has spurred economic activity but also exacerbated land disputes, environmental degradation, and social tensions, particularly for local communities dependent on traditional livelihoods.

In July 2024, Nexus3, in partnership with the University of Tadulako, conducted a comprehensive primary data collection by testing and analyzing environmental and biological samples [...]

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1.5. Nickel Industry Situation in Central Halmahera, North Maluku

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The Weda Bay Nickel mine, located in Central Halmahera and East Halmahera, North Maluku, has been operating since 2019. This nickel mine is operated by PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), which is majority-owned by the Chinese company Tsingshan (51.3%) and the French company Eramet (37.8%). The Indonesian government owns the remainder through PT Aneka Tambang Tbk. (Antam) at 10%. Eramet contributes its expertise in mining operations, while Tsingshan operates nickel processing and refining facilities.

The Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) is the centre of nickel mining and processing activities in Indonesia [32]. IWIP is an integrated mineral industrial area investment from three Chinese companies: Tsingshan Holding Group, Huayou Cobalt, and Zhenshi Holding Group. At least four to five companies, including Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), operate nickel mines and smelters in IWIP. Several subcontractor and service provider companies support mining activities.

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4.5.1. Conclusions

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The expansion of nickel industrial mines and processes in the Weda Bay area,North Maluku significantly affects local people’s environment, public health, and social well- being. Water source contamination, biodiversity loss, and deforestation threaten the overall balance of ecological health and community livelihood.

Environmental Impact

The water quality of Ake Jira has deteriorated from Class I to Class III, raising concerns among the Weda communities who relied on it for drinking. Baseline data from 2007 supports these worries. Recent tests showed consistent heavy metal levels, with chromium and nickel exceeding USEPA standards, classifying the sediments of Ake Jira and Ake Sagea Rivers as “Heavily Polluted.” [...]

Additionally, fish from Weda Bay have been found to contain arsenic and mercury. Arsenic levels have drastically increased, now 20 times higher than in 2007, posing health risks, while mercury levels remain stable. [...]

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5.2. Recommendations

5.2.1. Environmental Aspects for Government and Regulators

● Strengthen Environmental Monitoring

○ The Ministry of Environment (MoE) or Environmental Agencies conduct regular independent monitoring of heavy metals in river water and sediment quality, separately from the company’s mandatory environmental assessments, and expand the monitoring scope to include the estuary

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Review and strengthen industrial permit

○ Reevaluate existing permits for nickel-related industries to ensure compliance with environmental standards, considering emission limits, waste management, and ecological impact. Introduce stricter permit conditions for new and existing operations to minimize environmental harm.

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