Mining's impact on biodiversity - a rising risk?

AS the global economy expands, will biodiversity losses become the next crisis facing humanity, possibly surpassing climate change? The World Economic Forum estimates that more than 50 per cent of global gross domestic product (US$44 trillion) "is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services", and therefore exposed to biodiversity loss. For investors, growing scrutiny on biodiversity risks could have implications for industries that threaten biodiversity or environments of high conservation value.

Modern mining enterprises are a leading source of heavyindustrial operations that enter remote and undeveloped areas, potentially damaging habitats and degrading local environments. Mines pitted against fragile and pristine environments face increased risks of operational roadblocks, stakeholder resistance and investor concerns.

IDENTIFYING MINES LOCATED IN BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS