Mining’s impact on forests: a growing threat to biodiversity and climate 

A new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) sheds light on the growing threat of mining on forests, especially in tropical primary rainforests and protected areas that are critical for biodiversity and climate regulation. The lands of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities are also increasingly affected by mining-related deforestation. 

Headerphoto: Nickel mine in Sulawesi (c) Garry Lotulung

As global demand for minerals such as cobalt and nickel rises due to the energy transition, mining is becoming a major cause of deforestation. The WRI report highlights the need for responsible practices and better governance to minimize these impacts for important ecosystems and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods. 

According to the WRI report, mining-related forest loss in the last two decades was highly concentrated in just 11 countries, which accounted for 87% of all tree cover loss and 89% of the associated emissions during this period. These countries include: Indonesia, Ghana and Suriname. 

Nickel mining in Indonesia 

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest nickel reserves, has rapidly expanded its nickel mining operations to meet growing global demand. In 2022, Indonesia produced more than one million metric tons of nickel, a significant portion of which comes from rainforests in Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands. However, this growth comes at a high cost: Indonesia lost more than 2 million hectares of primary forest between 2001 and 2020, with mining being a significant driver​. Nickel mining threatens not only terrestrial ecosystems but also marine environments, as deforestation increases sediment runoff that damages coral reefs and mangroves. 

Gold and bauxite mining threaten forests in Ghana 

Ghana’s forests are under immense pressure from illegal gold mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’. Between 2010 and 2020, Ghana lost about 100,000 hectares of forest, and illegal mining was a primary culprit​. These unregulated operations often occur in protected areas like the Atewa Forest, which is a critical biodiversity hotspot and water source for millions of people. The environmental toll includes not only deforestation but also the contamination of rivers with toxic chemicals like mercury, posing long-term risks to both human health and ecosystems. Next to the pressure from gold mining, the Atewa forest is also threatened by plans for large-scale bauxite mining. 

Gold mining in Suriname 

Suriname has seen a surge in gold mining that has had devastating impacts on its forests. Between 2000 and 2020, Suriname lost 35% of its primary rainforest cover, with gold mining accounting for much of this loss​. The use of mercury in gold extraction has led to widespread water contamination, affecting both aquatic life and the indigenous communities who depend on these rivers. Suriname’s forests are among the most carbon-dense in the world, making their protection vital for combating climate change. 

A fair energy transition: the Bottom Line! project 

In response to these growing challenges, IUCN NL is spearheading the Bottom Line! project. This initiative advocates for a fair and successful energy transition by promoting responsible mining practices, including the uptake of no-go-zones for mining, that minimize environmental and social harm. The project focuses on increasing transparency and accountability in mineral supply chains, ensuring that the drive for renewable energy does not come at the expense of irreplaceable ecosystems​.  

As global demand for minerals continues to rise, it is crucial to balance the needs of the energy transition with the protection of the world’s most valuable forests. 

Other recent publications about the impact of transition minerals on nature 

• ‘Forest-risk extractives: a geospatial analysis’ (September 2024) by -Rainforest Foundation Norway, NICFI, NORAD, WWF Norway 
• ‘From forests to electric vehicles’ (June 2024) by Mighty Earth 
• UN principles to guide critical energy transition minerals towards equity and justice (Sep. ’24)