Article

A study has identified 3,267 mining operations within key biodiversity areas, representing nearly 5% of the global mining sector's footprint. The countries with the largest mining areas in these regions are China, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

The mining industry's expansion is linked to the rising demand for minerals needed for green energy. This trend threatens more than 4,500 animal species with extinction, as mining leads to habitat destruction and pollution.

Notable areas affected include Weda Bay, Indonesia, and the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Projections indicate that by 2050, demand for critical minerals could increase 16 times compared to 2020, further endangering pristine ecosystems.