Revealed: VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to destructive deforestation of indigenous lands
Mines in supply chains of western carmakers linked to widespread deforestation of primary rainforest in nickel-rich lands inhabited by Tolaki people in Indonesia
TL;DR
- Nickel mined in Indonesian rainforests, vital for electric car batteries, is linked to deforestation and the displacement of indigenous Tolaki people.
- Mines in the supply chains of major automakers like Volkswagen, Ford, and Tesla are connected to widespread loss of primary rainforest in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- Ore from Indonesian mines is processed in China by manufacturers like Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, which supplies battery giant CATL, ultimately reaching Western carmakers.
- Satellite analysis and spatial data indicate substantial forest loss within mining concessions, with some mines responsible for over two-thirds of forest loss in their areas.
- Carmakers state they assess and mitigate adverse impacts in their supply chains but often do not source nickel directly and cannot disclose specific supplier details.
- The demand for nickel is projected to double by 2040, exacerbating the environmental challenges associated with its extraction, especially in regions with weaker environmental safeguards.
- Experts suggest that demand for critical minerals could be reduced through improved public transport, cycling, walking, and better recycling practices.