Mongabay · Climate & nature

Copper Demand for Green Tech Risks Environmental and Social Harm

The escalating global demand for copper, driven by the energy transition and AI, is leading to extensive mining projects that pose significant environmental and social risks, including biodiversity loss and impacts on Indigenous communities.

The Vicuña mining project in the Andes aims to meet a projected doubling of copper demand to 50 million metric tons by 2040, but requires venturing into wildlands, straining water resources, and potentially impacting Indigenous territories and biodiversity.

This surge highlights a paradox where green technologies have substantial environmental downsides. The industry acknowledges issues like emissions, pollution, and high energy and water consumption.

Copper extraction is water-intensive, with mines consuming vast amounts globally. This is concerning in regions like the Andes, where glaciers are diminishing, impacting water availability.

The copper supply chain has documented environmental and health impacts, including pollution and waste generation. Extraction sites, especially near Indigenous lands, face risks of increased violence and substance abuse.

New copper mining projects in the Amazon and U.S. Southwest often encroach on Indigenous territories and sensitive ecosystems, leading to protests and concerns over cultural and environmental destruction.

While copper recycling exists, it is insufficient to meet demand and faces challenges in cost and complexity.

The expansion of copper mining risks repeating historical patterns of colonization, displacement of Indigenous peoples, and the creation of 'sacrifice zones' without significant regulation.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.