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Quantifying the Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks of Global Cobalt Mining and Processing
Zhaohui Feng1, Lingqing Wang1, Tao Liang1
1Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China.
Cobalt mining causes significant deforestation and biodiversity threats, especially in tropical regions. Exposure to cobalt poses serious health risks, particularly for children and women, highlighting environmental costs of clean energy development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Geoscience
Background:
- Cobalt (Co) is crucial for clean energy technologies.
- Its extraction and processing incur substantial environmental and health costs.
- Understanding these impacts is vital for sustainable development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess global environmental impacts of cobalt mining.
- To evaluate human health risks associated with cobalt exposure.
- To quantify ecological and health consequences for a sustainable energy transition.
Main Methods:
- Global environmental impact assessment of cobalt mining.
- Analysis of deforestation, biodiversity threats, and landscape integrity.
- Meta-analysis of human health risks from cobalt exposure.
Main Results:
- Cobalt mining increased deforestation in South America and Africa (309.41 km² and 134.11 km²).
- Oceania's biodiversity is threatened, with 36.58% of mining areas within protected zones.
- Elevated cobalt levels were found in miners and metal workers, with children and women being particularly vulnerable.
Conclusions:
- Cobalt mining significantly impacts forest cover, biodiversity, and landscape integrity.
- Occupational and general population exposure to cobalt presents serious health risks.
- Mitigating these environmental and health costs is essential for a truly sustainable energy transition.
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