Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The real impact of mining linked to renewable energies

Scientists warn that in order for the energy transition required by the climate emergency to be fair, mining must cause zero indirect deforestation.

Aitziber Agirre Ruiz de Arkaute

Recent studies have concluded that the impact of critical mineral extraction is highly underestimated. The data show that for each hectare directly deforested by mining, another 34 hectares are indirectly deforested in the area, affected by mining infrastructures: wells, waste ponds... As a result, the impact extends up to 20 kilometers from the mining area. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that only 187,000 hectares have been directly deforested, so take into account the real impact!

In fact, the extraction of minerals critical to the global energy transition is the one with the greatest impact: cobalt and cupres are responsible for the greatest additional deforestation in their environment. Iron mines, on the other hand, deforest a wider area at a distance, affecting forests at a distance.

According to the researchers, 45% of mining deforestation in Africa is concentrated in three countries: in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Madagascar. And they warn that in order for the energy transition required by the climate emergency to be fair, it is necessary for mining to cause zero indirect deforestation.