Administrator’s note: On June 10, 2025, Indonesia President, Prabowo Subianto, revoked 3 of 4 nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat.  But the mining issue has not ended.  Many locals feel they do NOT receive a sufficient share of tourism dollars from park entry fees, but do receive compensation from mining companies.  They are pushing back, closing areas like Wayag to visitors.

This article from June 14 originally appeared in BBC News.  It summarizes what has happened and what is still at stake!

Read the article, “Race to Mine Metals for EV Batteries Threatens Marine Paradise”, here.

*Victoria Gill is a Science Correspondent for BBC News