Reviewed by Lexie CornerJan 21 2025
Land clearance for nickel mining has a greater impact on the climate than previously estimated, according to a study led by a University of Queensland researcher. Results were published in Nature Communications.
Image Credit: CNES / Airbus 2024, Goro Nickel Mine, New Caledonia.
Dr. Evelyn Mervine of the University of Queensland’s School of the Environment analyzed data from 481 nickel mining sites and undeveloped resources, finding that the land footprint of nickel mining may be 400 to 500 times larger than previously estimated.
Nickel is commonly used in renewable energy infrastructure, such as in batteries and corrosion-resistant steel, and demand is expected to double by 2050 to support low-carbon technologies. However, the biomass carbon emissions from vegetation clearing for nickel mines are almost always overlooked in carbon accounting, sustainability reports, and sourcing decisions.
Dr. Evelyn Mervine, School of the Environment, University of Queensland
Dr. Mervine added, “Nickel is one of the easiest metals to recycle, and according to the Nickel Institute, about 68 % is already recycled. But even if we increase nickel recycling to 100 %, we will still need to produce more nickel for renewable energy technologies, such as electric cars and solar, wind, and geothermal power plants.”
Given the current necessity of nickel mining, Dr. Mervine emphasized that mining companies should avoid establishing new operations in areas containing “irrecoverable carbon.” These are ecosystems such as mangroves and old-growth rainforests, where carbon stored in biomass cannot be restored to its original density once destroyed.
Dr. Mervine also noted that carbon emissions from biomass vary significantly depending on the location of the nickel mine.
Dr. Mervine added, “At some nickel mines, the biomass carbon emissions are almost zero while emissions at others are significant – for example, compared to the emissions from diesel used by mining vehicles or the coal burned in a nickel smelter. Regardless of their severity, these emissions need to be reported. Companies should prioritize the development and expansion of mine sites in areas that have low biomass densities, such as in deserts rather than in rainforests, while of course being mindful of environmental impacts beyond carbon.”
According to senior author adjunct associate professor Laura Sonter, mining companies should take multiple measures to minimize land transformation while satisfying the increasing demand for nickel.
It is key that all mine sites begin to survey, track, and report their land use footprints and the associated carbon emissions from deforestation. This will enable companies, buyers, governments, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about how best to source the nickel required for low-carbon technologies.
Laura Sonter, Study Senior Author and Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Queensland
Dr. Mervine conducted this study as part of her Master of Science at the University of Edinburgh.
Journal Reference:
Mervine, EM., et. al. (2025) Biomass carbon emissions from nickel mining have significant implications for climate action. Nature Communications. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55703-y