In April 2025, Nexus3 Foundation released a report from its field inspection of several rivers in Weda Bay, Central Halmahera, such as Ake Jira and Ake Sagea. The report then exposed that most of the residents' clear water sources are heavily polluted with chromium and nickel, exceeding safety standards. Additionally, fish from Weda Bay have been found to contain arsenic and mercury. Arsenic levels have drastically increased, now 20 times higher than in 2007. Allegedly, the heavy metal materials found in the river came from mining's waste disposal nearby.

The Weda Bay Nickel mine, located in Central Halmahera and East Halmahera, North Maluku, has been operating since 2019. This nickel mine is operated by PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), which is majority-owned by the Chinese company Tsingshan (51.3%) and the French company Eramet (37.8%). The Indonesian government owns the remainder through PT Aneka Tambang Tbk. (Antam) at 10%. Eramet contributes its expertise in mining operations, while Tsingshan operates nickel processing and refining facilities.

The Business & Human Rights Centre invited PT Weda Bay Nikel to respond. PT Weda Bay Nickel responded. The response is linked below.