The extraction of minerals and metals necessary for creating environmentally friendly technologies can negatively impact ape populations. A new study has revealed that a third of all great apes in Africa may face serious threats due to mining activities.
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, scientists from the conservation organization Re:wild analyzed mining sites in 17 African countries and assessed their impact on local populations of great apes (gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees).
The researchers used data on active and planned mining sites to determine 10-kilometer buffer zones that have a direct impact on the animals (habitat destruction and noise pollution). They also established 50-kilometer buffer zones that affect the apes indirectly.
The analysis results showed that great apes are particularly at risk due to the mining industry in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Guinea — a significant portion of the populations resides within these buffer zones. For example, in Guinea, over 23,000 chimpanzees (83% of the country's ape population) may be affected by mining activities both directly and indirectly.
According to the scientists' estimates, mining poses a threat to approximately 180,000 great apes, which constitutes more than a third of the total population of these species in Africa.
Ironically, the current boom in the mining industry in Africa has resulted from the rapid growth of clean energy technologies. Lithium and cobalt extracted from this region are used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems for renewable sources.
According to the scientists, the transition to clean energy is beneficial for the climate; however, it must be carried out with consideration for biodiversity conservation. Otherwise, its purpose is lost.
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