New WRI analysis finds that mining is a small but growing threat to forests — particularly tropical primary rainforests and protected areas. According to our analysis, the world lost nearly 1.4 million hectares of trees from 2001-2020 due to mining and related activities, an area of forest the size of Montenegro.

Most of this tree cover loss is concentrated in just a few countries, where coal and gold mines are chipping away at some of Earth’s last remaining undisturbed rainforests. And a disproportionate share of mining takes place on Indigenous and community-managed lands that are vital to storing carbon and protecting biodiversity — often without these communities’ consent. 

Despite the extensive risks mining poses, demand is only growing, especially as countries seek more minerals for clean energy and other technologies. WRI experts weigh in on how to meet this rising demand while safeguarding people, nature and the climate. 

A growing body of research shows that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities are some of the world’s most important biodiversity strongholds. As countries work to halt biodiversity loss this decade, enshrining traditional land rights into law will be central to their success. 

With droughts, heatwaves and other weather events threatening farm yields around the globe, countries and companies are increasingly focused on adapting agriculture to a changing climate. But building truly resilient food systems will require action beyond the farm gate, too. 

As school districts in the U.S. transition to electric buses, they will rebuild their fleets from the ground up. This offers an opportunity to reimagine the age-old yellow bus so that it truly accommodates all students — including those with disabilities.

New WRI analysis shows over the last two decades, 87% of tree-cover loss related to mining was concentrated in just 11 countries.