A growing global demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies is increasing pressure on forests in parts of Africa, according to analyses discussed by The Conversation and other outlets. The shift toward electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels relies on critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt. Sub-Saharan Africa holds a substantial share of these reserves, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves overall and major portions of specific minerals such as platinum, chromium, manganese and cobalt. The reporting describes a “20km ripple effect,” where deforestation can extend well beyond the boundaries of individual mines. Forest loss is driven by linked activities that occur in surrounding areas, rather than only by direct clearing for mining infrastructure. The sources also argue that much of this broader forest impact is preventable through measures that manage and reduce land-use change near mining operations. Overall, the articles connect upstream supply-chain pressures for energy transition materials to environmental outcomes that are geographically wider than the mining sites themselves.
Critical mineral mining linked to deforestation beyond mine sites in Africa
A growing global demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies is increasing pressure on forests in parts of Africa, according to analyses discussed by The Conversation and other outlets. The...
- Global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy (such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt) is rising.
- Sub-Saharan Africa holds about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and large shares of several minerals, including platinum, chromium, manganese and cobalt.
- Deforestation related to mining can occur beyond the immediate mine footprint, described as reaching roughly 20 km outward.
- The drivers include indirect activities linked to mining rather than only direct land clearing at mine sites.
- Sources say broader deforestation impacts are largely preventable with appropriate controls and planning.
[The Conversation Africa] The global push for a transition to green energy has sparked demand for critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt. These are needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. Sub-Saharan Africa hosts about 30% of the world's mineral reserves, including huge quantities of critical minerals: 92% of all platinum, 36% of all chromium, 54% of all manganese and 56% of all cobalt.
1 month agoThe global push for a transition to green energy has sparked demand for critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt. These are needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. Sub-Saharan Africa hosts about 30% of the world's mineral reserves, including huge quantities of critical minerals: 92% of all platinum, 36% of all chromium, 54% of all manganese and 56% of all cobalt.
1 month agoThe minerals needed for clean energy are driving widespread forest loss across Africa, much of it far beyond the mine itself and largely preventable.
1 month ago
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Songs of the Past expansion and remaster slated for 2025
CD PROJEKT RED reveals new details about “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past,” an upcoming expansion that brin...
2.2-magnitude earthquake reported near Grimsby and Cleethorpes
A small earthquake is reported to have occurred near Grimsby and Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire, with residents describing...
Gang attack near Port-au-Prince leaves at least 47 dead and more than 50 kidnapped
Armed men attack a community in Kenscoff, in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Haiti, leaving at least 47 people dead and...