Large-scale mining operations can result in significant deforestation through forest clearing still cover about 30 percent of the world's land area, but an area of the size of Panama is deforested every year. In addition to deforestation, mining also destroys aquatic ecosystems by using heavy metals and other toxic substances in the extraction metal ores, such as gold, silver, copper and iron. These substances contaminate water supplies and harm fish, disrupting the food chain and contributing to the extinction of already endangered species. Mining operations also emit toxic gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
