Indonesia Revokes Nickel Mining Permits Of Four Companies In Protected Raja Ampat

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, June 10 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has revoked the nickel mining permits of four companies operating in the ecologically sensitive Raja Ampat archipelago, citing environmental and regulatory violations.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, affects PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, according to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

“The revocation was carried out objectively, involving coordination across ministries and on-site verification,” he said in a statement.

He pointed out that parts of the affected mining sites lie within protected zones, making extraction activities ecologically inappropriate.

Raja Ampat, located in Southwest Papua, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, and is home to a UNESCO-designated Global Geopark.

Meanwhile, one company, PT Gag Nikel, has retained its permit after passing environmental assessments and operating outside the geopark’s boundaries.

However, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government would impose stricter oversight on its operations in Gag Island going forward.

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel which is a key component in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel.

-- BERNAMA