Mining triggers extensive additional deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa

Mining operations are causing extensive deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly impacting dense tropical forests, according to a study published in Nature on June 3, 2026. The research highlights that the demand for energy transition minerals, such as cobalt, is a significant driver of this land degradation. The study analyzed satellite imagery and mining concession data, revealing that mining sites are associated with a disproportionately high rate of forest loss compared to other land uses. Specifically, the analysis found that mining concessions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a major cobalt producer, were linked to a 70% increase in deforestation within a 10-kilometer radius of active mining sites between 2010 and 2022. This deforestation not only destroys critical habitats for biodiversity but also contributes to carbon emissions, undermining global climate change mitigation efforts. The researchers emphasize that current environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient to curb the widespread deforestation linked to mining. They call for stronger governance and sustainable mining practices to protect these vital forest ecosystems. The study's findings underscore the complex environmental trade-offs associated with the global transition to cleaner energy technologies, which often rely on minerals extracted through environmentally intensive processes.