Earth will require a steady source of metals to successfully transition to and sustain a low carbon future.
A new study shows that this means more mining in high-risk areas. Renewable energy technology and electric cars, for example, need large amounts of lithium, iron, copper and nickel.
Researchers looked at over 6800 mining projects of 20 different metals globally. They identified hotspots by examining regions where competition over metals can potentially create environmental and social problems.
Most high-risk mines are in Australia, America and China.
Governments here must be careful that the transition to a low carbon future avoids negative social and environmental impacts due to mining.
And mining industries need convince an incredibly conscious public that they will be environmentally and socially responsible.
Original article:
Protection needed for emerging mining hotspots
Original study:
The social and environmental complexities of extracting energy transition metals