Sourcing critical metal from critical habitat: is the trade-off worth making?

This study analyzes the environmental impact of nickel mining on biodiversity in Indonesia’s Wallacea region, using habitat quality as a proxy. It employs the Integrated Valuation of Eco-system Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) Habitat Quality Model to project current and future habitat quality and degradation. Findings confirm that nickel mining significantly threatens habitat quality. Under a future scenario, 10% (513 km²) of excellent-quality habitat is projected to be lost across the study area. Specifically, mining zones face severe degradation and a future absence of excellent habitat, though protected areas are expected to maintain excellent quality. The study highlights Indonesia's core dilemma between economic nickel dominance and severe environmental destruction, stressing the need for equitable global risk-sharing. We recommend three strategies: 1) an Integrated Land-Sparing Strategy, 2) Responsible Mining Practices, and 3) Risk Mapping with Equitable Global Risk-Sharing Policies.