Nickel plays a crucial role in EV batteries. Since electrons move more freely through nickel than through many other materials, nickel-rich batteries typically store more energy, giving EVs greater driving range.However, nickel is chemically unstable on its own. Overcharging or physical damage can trigger a chain reaction that may lead to combustion or explosion. Hence, battery-grade nickel is typically combined with other elements such as cobalt, aluminium and manganese to improve stability and safety.Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of cobalt – a metal often found alongside nickel and mined together with it. The country produces about 28,000 tonnes of…