Study Highlights Environmental Impact of Metal Mining for Renewable Energy

A recent study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment reveals that metal mining, driven by the demand for renewable energy technologies, is causing significant environmental damage. Global metal ore extraction has nearly quadrupled since 1970, with substantial increases in regions like Oceania, South America, and Asia. The study notes that 50% of global mining areas are concentrated in Russia, China, Australia, the US, and Indonesia, leading to severe impacts on water resources, biodiversity, and land use, particularly affecting tropical rainforests and deserts. The study underscores that 70% of global metal extraction is linked to international supply chains, raising concerns about the environmental costs of transitioning to renewable energy. BloombergNEF highlights a potential supply squeeze of raw materials, which could hinder clean energy adoption. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that mining companies are maximizing profits from coal asset sales, while El Salvador's president points to the country's vast gold reserves as a potential economic boon. Experts call for enhanced environmental assessments and stricter policies to mitigate mining's environmental footprint, emphasizing the need for coordinated actions across supply chains to address these challenges effectively.

Published: 6/15/2025