Sorowako mining: a plea for Human Rights to Sumitomo Metal Mining

The persistence of human rights concerns around the Sorowako nickel project in Indonesia has prompted environmental groups to submit a formal plea to Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM), a key investor and consumer of the nickel produced.

South Sulawesi’s chapter of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI), Friends of the Earth Japan, and the Pacific Asia Resource Center (PARC) delivered the plea on June 12, 2023. They implore SMM, who owns a 15.03% stake in the project, to ensure that PT Vale Indonesia, the project operator, respects the fundamental rights of local communities impacted by the mining and processing operations.

The area of concern covers 70,566 hectares and has hosted nickel mining for over 50 years, leading to a range of community issues. With escalating demand for battery materials in a society increasingly focused on decarbonization, the pressures on Sorowako have grown. Community issues range from land deprivation as mining expands, to environmental contamination affecting water sources.

The appeal to SMM details several environmental, social and human rights issues. Firstly, expansion of the mining area has forced local farmers to abandon their lands. While some receive compensation, it often falls short, leading to community divisions and sustainable livelihoods threatened. Security personnel have reportedly intimidated farmers to vacate the area, causing a climate of fear.

Furthermore, exploration activities at the Tanamalia concession are proceeding without adequate community consultation. Locals, including pepper farmers, are requesting a halt to the activities. The potential for environmental impact on local ecosystems, including forests, fauna and flora, raises serious concerns.

Complicating matters, local water sources show signs of pollution, believed to be a consequence of mining activities. A recent outcry by community members in Asuli village cited the drying up of spring water, turning brown and muddy. FoE Japan and WALHI South Sulawesi’s water tests in October 2022 discovered levels of hexavalent chromium exceeding both Indonesian and international safe standards.

The plea emphasizes the necessity for PT Vale Indonesia to respect the local community’s human rights. This includes the right to clean and safe water, access to farmland, and freedom of expression.

The alleged suppression of the local community’s freedom of expression amplifies the issue. Instances of unjust arrests and detentions of protesters calling for indigenous rights, access to clean water, respect for farmland rights, and youth employment have occurred. Reports of community leaders being intimidated into ceasing protests are also prevalent.

The plea to SMM outlines a series of requests to PT Vale Indonesia, such as the exclusion of farmland from mining areas, ensuring clean and safe water access, halting mining activities in essential ecosystem areas, and respecting community rights.

These groups are hopeful that SMM will honor its commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and its own human rights policy by addressing the issues promptly and appropriately.