The Many Pathways of Mining Impacts on Biodiversity

Abstract

Mining is a significant driver of biodiversity loss, with impacts expected to escalate due to rising metal demand for the energy transition. However, global assessments of mining impacts are still in their infancy, as global biodiversity models overlook many relevant impact pathways. Here, we present a comprehensive synthesis of the biodiversity impact pathways of mining to inform the conservation and modeling community, as well as the policies and corporate actions to address these impacts. Our review highlights pollution, primarily driven by the disposal of reactive waste materials, as the most diverse pathway, especially in freshwater ecosystems, where acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, and sedimentation result in significant ecological impairment. Mining-induced habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and hydrological disruptions further exacerbate biodiversity loss. To improve the representation of mining impacts in biodiversity models, we recommend incorporating pollution effects and refining the representation of physical habitat change effects. Future modeling efforts should also consider cumulative and interactive effects to ensure comprehensive impact estimation. Our findings provide a roadmap for more accurate global biodiversity models, aiding informed conservation and policy initiatives in light of assessing the cumulative impacts of increasing mineral demand for the energy transition.