Home / Environment / Metal Mining Carbon Footprint 10x Higher
Metal Mining Carbon Footprint 10x Higher
22 Jul
Summary
- Acid mine drainage may significantly increase mining's carbon footprint.
- Emissions from mining could be ten times greater than previously estimated.
- New research suggests mining's climate impact is underestimated.
Transitioning to greener economies necessitates massive metal extraction, but new research reveals a significantly underestimated carbon footprint for mining operations. A study published in Environmental Science and Technology highlights that acid mine drainage, a well-known side effect of mining, is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions previously not fully accounted for.
This drainage occurs when sulfide minerals in mined ores interact with oxygen-rich water, creating acidity. This acidic water then reacts with rocks or seawater, releasing CO2. Researchers focused on the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Spain, quantifying these emissions.
Their findings suggest that acid mine drainage could increase the carbon footprint of metal mining up to ten times beyond conventional estimates. These emissions are also long-lasting, continuing for centuries after mining ceases. Addressing this hidden source is crucial for meeting global climate goals and achieving net-zero emissions.
