Sulawesi, Indonesia

Indonesia produces two thirds of the world's nickel from open pit mines. In southeast Sulawesi, about 50 nickel mining companies currently operate. In order to mine nickel, large areas of trees are cut down to create open pits. The areas of deforestation appear as reddish where the iron-rich soil is exposed; surrounded by bright green areas of tropical vegetation. The image was acquired 12 September 2019, covers an area of 38.3 by 65.2 km, and is located at 3.3 degrees south, 122.3 degrees east. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26007