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Mining drives extensive deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon

Author

Listed:
  • Laura J. Sonter

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont
    The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland)

  • Diego Herrera

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont
    Environmental Defense Fund)

  • Damian J. Barrett

    (Energy Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO))

  • Gillian L. Galford

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Chris J. Moran

    (Curtin University)

  • Britaldo S. Soares-Filho

    (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais)

Abstract

Mining poses significant and potentially underestimated risks to tropical forests worldwide. In Brazil’s Amazon, mining drives deforestation far beyond operational lease boundaries, yet the full extent of these impacts is unknown and thus neglected in environmental licensing. Here we quantify mining-induced deforestation and investigate the aspects of mining operations, which most likely contribute. We find mining significantly increased Amazon forest loss up to 70 km beyond mining lease boundaries, causing 11,670 km2 of deforestation between 2005 and 2015. This extent represents 9% of all Amazon forest loss during this time and 12 times more deforestation than occurred within mining leases alone. Pathways leading to such impacts include mining infrastructure establishment, urban expansion to support a growing workforce, and development of mineral commodity supply chains. Mining-induced deforestation is not unique to Brazil; to mitigate adverse impacts of mining and conserve tropical forests globally, environmental assessments and licensing must considered both on- and off-lease sources of deforestation.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura J. Sonter & Diego Herrera & Damian J. Barrett & Gillian L. Galford & Chris J. Moran & Britaldo S. Soares-Filho, 2017. "Mining drives extensive deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-00557-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00557-w
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