Biomass carbon emissions from nickel mining have significant implications for climate action

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Science
• Sustainable Mining

Background:

• Global nickel demand is set to double by 2050, driven by low-carbon technologies and renewable energy.
• Biomass carbon emissions from vegetation clearing for nickel mining are frequently omitted from sustainability reports and sourcing decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of biomass carbon emissions from nickel mining.
• To highlight the underestimation of environmental impacts associated with nickel production and its downstream products, such as batteries.

Main Methods:

• Compiled data from 481 nickel mines and undeveloped deposits.
• Analyzed biomass losses and associated carbon emissions at various mine sites.

Main Results:

• The environmental footprint of nickel mining can be 4 to 500 times larger than previously reported, depending on the mine.
• Unaccounted carbon emissions from biomass losses were significant, often comparable to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from nickel extraction and processing.
• Large variations in biomass losses were observed across different mine sites.

Conclusions:

• Current assessments of nickel's environmental impact, including for batteries, are underestimated.
• Accurate reporting of biomass loss emissions is essential for informed decision-making in nickel sourcing.
• Integrating biomass carbon emissions is key for achieving effective climate action through sustainable mineral sourcing.