Surge in global metal mining threatens vulnerable ecosystems

Mining activities induce profound changes to societies and the environment they inhabit. With global extraction of metal ores doubling over past two decades, pressures related mining have dramatically increased. In this paper, we explore where growing has particularly taken effect. Using fine-grain data, investigate spatial temporal distribution nine (bauxite, copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, silver zinc) across approximately 3,000 sites worldwide between 2000 2019. To approach environmental implications, intersect with terrestrial biomes, protected areas, watersheds categorised by water availability. We find that 79% ore in 2019 originated from five six most species-rich volumes since tropical moist forest ecosystems. also half took place at 20 km or less territories. Further, 90% all considered correspond below-average relative availability, copper gold occurring areas significant scarcity. Our study far-reaching implications for future local policy resource management responses mitigate negative effects expected expansion mining.