Nickel is a hard and resistant transition metal used in lithium-ion batteries and (steel) alloys. With worldwide deposits concentrated in Russia, Indonesia and the Philippines, nickel is also considered a critical raw material.

Applications.

• Batteries (high- and low-voltage)
• Alloys

Risks.

• Environmental impacts of mining waste on water, soil and air, e.g. from tailings and acid mine drainage
• CO₂ emissions, especially from fossil fuel use in mining and processing
• Deforestation and the associated loss of biodiversity
• Violation of workers’ rights through absence of occupational health and safety measures and inadequate remuneration
• Endangering the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples
• Violation of labour rights
• Weak state monitoring of existing environmental and social standards 

Preventive measures.

• Contractual assurance by suppliers of compliance with ESG standards (e.g. certification)
• Collaboration with suppliers along the supply chain to:
  • Increase the recyclates rate
  • Reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve resources
• Implementation of corrective action after audits
• Establishment of traceability systems

Active involvement in initiatives.

• Drive Sustainability: Participation in the Nickel Working Group.
• Battery Pass Consortium: Collaboration to develop a battery passport based on the new EU battery regulation 
• Responsible Minerals Initiative: Cross-sector collaboration in the Nickel Working Group 

Overarching policies and commitments.