Companies that provide key electric vehicle metals “not disclosed” Elling Brokovic pollutants in drinking water
According to the Guardian filing, one of Indonesia's largest nickel mining companies provides vital minerals to the global electric vehicle industry and does not tell the public that local drinking water is contaminated.
Indonesia has become the world's largest nickel manufacturer for the production of wind turbines, solar panels and batteries. However, observers expressed concern that the country's regulatory oversight has failed to keep up with urgent rush to develop mines to meet global demand.
The leaked documents seen by the guardian show that the source of drinking water is close to the remote OBI island of Harita Group owned by Indonesian Harita Group, contaminated by unsafe hexavalent chromium (CR6), a methylated chemical that is widely known for its role in Erin Brockovich's story and film.
When ingested or inhaled, CR6 can cause liver damage, reproductive problems and developmental injuries. Long-term exposure through drinking water is also associated with gastric cancer. Evidence suggests that CR6 in drinking water may be a result of industrial processes.
The leak occurred in 2022. The guardian investigation of the site contamination was filed by a mining company that extracts and processes nickel for electric electric batteries.
In a 2022 survey, water samples collected in Kawashima village, less than 200 meters from the mining site, were tested in a government-certified laboratory and recommended high levels of pollution from every 6 billion (PPB) (PPB). The maximum level of pollutant allowed by Indonesian law is 50ppb.
In response to the guardian's original investigation, Harita said its own results show that spring water is suitable for consumption and meets quality standards set by the Indonesian government.
However, leaked documents and emails suggest that a Harita company found CR6 values in Kawashima spring, which villagers used as drinking water, exceeded Indonesian quality standards only after a day when its statements were contrary. It then found higher values in the following days. It does not seem to make this data public.
In a joint investigation with the environmental organization Gecko Project, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has the opportunity to review material.
The material shows that Harita Company's test of Kawasi spring water found a CR6 concentration of 70ppb on February 1, 2022, the day after Harita Company provided the statement to Guardian. On February 7, 2022, a value of 128ppb was recorded.
Weekly environmental reports, which began in December 2022, reported a 140ppb value recorded in the spring.
Related: 'We're Fearing': Erin Brockovich pollutants are linked to global electric vehicle boom
Harita has not responded to a request for comment on the leaked material and test results, but in a press release posted on its website this month, the company said it regularly monitors Kawasi Spring's water to ensure it is safe and without permission.
Environmental sanitation experts say the test results show that there are major problems with the pollution.
“These figures need not only be taken into account by the company, but also by the Indonesian government,” said Matthew Baird, an environmental lawyer based in Southeast Asia.
“Nickel is one of the transition metals to become [to move to a green, low-carbon economy] We need a just transition to ensure the protection of the environment, human rights and communities. ” he said.
