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Phosphate mining, Nauru, South Pacific, 1906-2002

After the discovery of phosphate on the island of Nauru, strip mining has continued for over a hundred years, leaving the ecosystem of the island beyond repair. Indigenous animals and plant life has disappeared and the profits made by mining have been lost or stolen.

Ecological catastrophe

Strip mining of 80% of island's surface

Ecological damage

Extiction of endemic plantlife and indigenous animals