The study offers an alarming and detailed look at the devastating impact that mining is having on great ape populations in Africa. The authors provide an in-depth perspective on the environmental and social challenges arising from the expansion of the mining industry in the region. 

There is no doubt that the mining boom in Africa threatens not only wildlife and ecosystems, but also global biodiversity. The expansion of mining, driven by global demand for minerals critical to today's energy transition and technology, poses serious risks to the conservation of the great apes, our closest evolutionary relatives.  

The problem - which has been talked about since the turn of the millennium - underlines the importance of a conversion to a more sustainable and equitable economy, as well as the promotion of responsible mining practices and the development of low-impact technologies. The research not only alerts us to the environmental crisis facing the great apes, but also highlights the connection between wildlife protection and human well-being, as the recent covid-19 pandemic has shown us.  

In this reflection, it is essential to highlight the urgency of addressing this environmental crisis. The protection of great apes is not only a matter of species conservation; it is also intrinsically linked to the preservation of vital ecosystems and the mitigation of climate change. Furthermore, the degradation of great ape habitats has direct consequences for the local communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being. Ultimately, this study reminds us that the future of the great apes and our own are inextricably intertwined. Our fate is linked to that of all life forms on this planet and it is our responsibility to act with urgency and determination to preserve the wonderful diversity of life on Earth.