US$4.5 trillion investor coalition urges nickel and EV firms to mandate FPIC in Indonesia and the Philippines

A coalition of 36 institutional investors managing about US$4.5 trillion, coordinated by Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) and the Dutch VBDO, is pressing nickel producers and EV manufacturers over ESG risks from mining in Indonesia and the Philippines. The push follows allegations by Mighty Earth, Climate Rights International and Global Witness of widespread deforestation, water contamination, human rights violations and alleged intimidation of and violence against communities opposing mining. RFN estimates that deforestation tied to EU EV policy demand alone could equal 18 football fields daily over 25 years. The coalition calls for stronger due diligence, independent third-party audits and mandatory FPIC for Indigenous peoples and affected communities.

Source: adapted from Business Human Rights, October 2026.