One of the biggest threats to chimpanzees and other Great Apes is the illegal mining of coltan, a mineral used in many mobile phones. Mining results in the clearing of essential habitat and drives the bush meat trade, further exacerbating the decline of Great Ape populations.

The Jane Goodall Institute is committed to raising awareness of the connection between the demise of Great Apes and increase in mobile phone production.

The Institute sees social justice, the environment and animal protection as interconnected issues. If we are going to protect animals, we also need to protect human communities and the ecosystems that support them.