Purpose: This study aims to examine the dilemmas and conflicts among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) arising from nickel mining activities in Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and North Maluku, Indonesia, with particular attention to the impacts on local communities, including women and children.

Research Methodology: The research employs a mixed qualitative approach, combining literature review, field visits, interviews with affected communities, and intersectional gender analysis to assess how nickel mining interacts with multiple SDGs.

Results: Findings reveal that while nickel mining contributes to SDG 8 by generating jobs and economic growth, it simultaneously undermines several other SDGs, including poverty alleviation, health, gender equality, clean water, energy, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, climate action, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and governance-related goals.

Conclusions: Nickel mining in Indonesia creates complex SDG trade-offs, where economic benefits are offset by social, environmental, and gender-related harms. Effective governance, accountability, and gender-responsive policies are critical to mitigate these conflicts.

Limitations: The study is limited to selected nickel mining regions in Indonesia and relies on qualitative data, which may not capture all quantitative impacts or fully generalize to other mining contexts.

Contributions: This research provides empirical evidence on SDG conflicts in the nickel mining sector and offers recommendations for gender-sensitive, human rights–compliant governance, contributing to policy discussions and sustainable mining practices in Indonesia.