Miners are causing significant deforestation as they strive to meet the growing demand for metals and minerals, according to a recent report by the World Resources Institute. The report highlights that mining activities have escalated globally since 2000, leading to the destruction of tropical forests, environmental degradation, and the displacement of Indigenous and local communities.
From 2001 to 2020, approximately 1.4 million hectares (3,459,475 acres) of trees were lost due to mining activities, equivalent to the size of Montenegro. A substantial portion of this loss occurred in tropical primary rainforests, with protected areas also suffering damage. The deforestation caused by mining activities releases 36 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, a figure similar to the fossil fuel emissions of Finland in 2022.
The report underscores the concerning impact of mining-related tree loss on carbon-rich and biodiverse tropical primary rainforests. These areas play a crucial role in regulating local and regional climate patterns, such as rainfall and temperatures. Additionally, mining operations disrupt vegetation and soil, exacerbating the effects of severe weather events and climate change while also polluting the air and water.
Countries heavily affected by mining-related deforestation include Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, the United States, Canada, Peru, Ghana, Suriname, Myanmar, Australia, and Guyana. Notably, Indigenous and local communities’ lands bore the brunt of mining-related forest loss in countries like Suriname, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
The extraction of gold and coal has historically been the primary drivers behind mining-related deforestation. Gold and coal mining accounted for over 70% of deforestation linked to mining activities from 2001 to 2019. The soaring demand for critical materials for smartphones, solar panels, and electric vehicles has further accelerated mining activities, leading to increased deforestation in countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The report calls for a more sustainable approach to mining that incorporates the best available technologies and practices, rehabilitation plans, and thorough environmental monitoring. Experts stress the importance of striking a balance between meeting the demand for minerals and minimising environmental harm.
In conclusion, the report sheds light on the significant environmental consequences of mining activities, urging for more responsible practices to protect forests, biodiversity, and Indigenous communities while meeting the global demand for metals and minerals. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable mining practices to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation and environmental degradation.