It’s the world’s rarest ape. Now a billion-dollar dig for gold threatens its future

The GuardianTuesday, December 9, 2025 at 5:00:01 AM
It’s the world’s rarest ape. Now a billion-dollar dig for gold threatens its future
  • The Tapanuli orangutan, the world's rarest ape, faces an existential threat as a billion-dollar gold mining expansion at the Martabe mine in Indonesia's Sumatran rainforest will cut through its critical habitat. The construction of a new access road, currently extending 2km, will facilitate mining operations and potentially lead to the extinction of this unique species, which was only identified in 2017.
  • This development raises significant concerns regarding biodiversity and wildlife conservation, as the mining company argues that alternative solutions may be worse. The potential loss of the Tapanuli orangutan highlights the conflict between economic interests and environmental preservation.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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