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 Volkswagen, Ford and Tesla are among the electric carmakers whose batteries may contain nickel mined in indigenous woodlands plagued by deforestation, an analysis has found, highlighting the struggle to make vehicles that are free from…
Volkswagen, Ford and Tesla are among several major car manufacturers whose battery supply chains may be linked to deforestation and environmental destruction in Indonesia. Nickel mines in the region, which power these vehicles, are contributing to the loss of primary rainforest and the displacement of the indigenous Tolaki people.
According to satellite analysis, the Cahaya and Hengjaya mines, operated by mining company SCM, have led to widespread deforestation in the region. The mines supply nickel to a processing plant in Morowali, which refines it into a raw material used in battery cathodes. From there, the material is transported to China and used by CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer.
Several electric vehicle manufacturers, including Volkswagen and Tesla, purchase these batteries, creating a connection between their production and the deforestation in question. Environmental groups warn that the growing demand for electric vehicles is exacerbating the problem by increasing the quantity of nickel mined. Experts argue that the mining boom can be slowed without slowing the shift away from dirty fuels.
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