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DRC Cobalt Mines Trigger 34× Forest Loss, Study Finds

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers found each hectare cleared for a mine in the DRC caused 34 extra hectares of forest loss.
The study recorded 187,000 hectares cleared from 2001-2020, a deforestation rise within one kilometre of new mines, and loss lasting over a decade.
Researchers urged assessments, traceability and aid, warning that cobalt mining can add up to 58 hectares loss per hectare cleared and that demand may rise 40-fold by 2040.

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Story summary

Researchers found each hectare cleared for a mine in the DRC caused 34 extra hectares of forest loss.
The study recorded 187,000 hectares cleared from 2001-2020, a deforestation rise within one kilometre of new mines, and loss lasting over a decade.
Researchers urged assessments, traceability and aid, warning that cobalt mining can add up to 58 hectares loss per hectare cleared and that demand may rise 40-fold by 2040.