As the world grapples with the urgent issue of tackling the climate crisis, factories are being built one after another in Indonesia to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles. Nickel, which is essential for these batteries, is mined on the island of Sulawesi. The development of nickel mines there has left serious scars, including the destruction of terrestrial ecosystems and marine pollution caused by sediment.

Pomalaa in Southeast Sulawesi, where Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) has invested in nickel mining, is one of such development sites. Since 2012, SMM has been conducting pre-feasibility studies for a smelter on land adjacent to the mining site. Amidst the growing global demand for nickel, SMM is planning to proceed with the construction of a smelter, but there are concerns about the further impact on the environment.