Mining’s Impacts on Forests

Aligning policy and finance for climate and biodiversity goals
Research paper ISBN: 978 1 78413 418 1
Satellite image of the Carajás iron ore mine in Brazil

Delivering on climate goals will require a rapid halt to deforestation, and reforestation and afforestation at scale. But it will also require a secure and sustainable supply of minerals and materials for green technologies and sustainable infrastructure. Many of these commodities are found in critical forest landscapes, placing forests at increased risk as demand for minerals increases. This paper explores the mining sector’s impacts on forests, and the potential for ‘forest-smart’ mining policies and practices to support deforestation-free mineral supply chains.