Motion 104

This motion stems from on-the-ground observations in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Andes region in South America which are central in the mining boom for energy transition minerals. It also builds on a IUCN WCPA technical brief (2023) [1] on Mining, Biodiversity and Protected Areas, and on other recent reports highlighting the impact of mining on biodiversity and critical ecosystems such as rainforests and wetlands.

The global shift towards renewable energy has dramatically increased the demand for transition minerals such as lithium, nickel, copper, iron ore, cobalt and bauxite, essential for technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries. According to the World Bank (2020) [2], the production of these minerals is projected to increase by nearly 500% by 2050. This surge in demand is driving increased mining activities worldwide, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. This expansion often intersects with critical rainforests [3] and wetland ecosystems [4], Key Biodiversity and Protected Areas and the land of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs) [5], including ICCAs. This leads to large-scale deforestation [6], loss and degradation of wetlands and other ecosystems and the services these provide, and also affects IP&LCs’ rights and livelihoods. Of particular concern is also the accelerating loss and degradation of wildlife habitat including that of numerous endemic and/or endangered species, including great apes.

In light of these challenges, this motion advocates for the designation of no-go zones for mining in ecologically and culturally significant areas, and areas crucial for carbon storage and water security. These zones will help protect biodiversity, support the rights of IP&LCs, and reduce the environmental impact of mining activities. This motion complements IUCN’s Resolution 121 (2020) and helps implement the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2024 UN Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals Towards Equity and Justice. It is essential to address the mining threats to and impacts on critical rainforests, wetlands, Key Biodiversity Areas (both protected and unprotected), Protected Areas, IP&LCs, women and youth in order to align the energy transition with global commitments to climate resilience and equity. IUCN is uniquely positioned to guide responsible and equitable mineral governance, fostering a just energy future for nature and humanity.
1.https://iucn.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/iucn-cop-28-technical-brief-wcpa-mining-biodiversity-and-protected-areas.pdf
2.https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/961711588875536384/Minerals-for-Climate-Action-The-Mineral-Intensity-of-the-Clean-Energy-Transition.pdf
3.https://dv719tqmsuwvb.cloudfront.net/documents/High_risk_extractive_assets_forests_final_compressed-1.pdf
4.https://www.wetlands.org/publication/briefing-on-lithium-mining-in-the-andes-of-south-america-no-to-water-mega-mining/
5.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00994-6?utm_campaign=Carbon%20Brief%20Daily%20Briefing&utm_content=20221202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Revue%20Daily
6. https://www.wri.org/insights/how-mining-impacts-forests