Study Reveals Global Impact of Metal Mining Contamination on Floodplains

October 5, 2023

A study recently published in the journal Science estimates that approximately 23 million people worldwide live on floodplains contaminated by toxic waste from metal mining activity. The research utilized a global database of 185,000 metal mines and assessed the contamination’s impact on rivers, floodplains, and human populations.

Scope of Contamination

The study considered contamination from active and inactive metal mining sites, including tailings storage facilities.
It examined harmful contaminants such as lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic, which can be transported downstream from mining operations and deposited along river channels and floodplains.
The contamination affects around 479,200 kilometers of river channels and covers 164,000 square kilometers of floodplains globally.

Human Impact

Approximately 23.48 million people reside on these affected floodplains.
These areas support 5.72 million livestock and encompass over 65,000 square kilometers of irrigated land.
The pathways for human exposure to these contaminants include direct contact, ingestion, inhalation, and consumption of contaminated water and food.
The health hazards are particularly concerning in low-income countries and regions with existing water-related diseases.

Global Demand and Sustainability

The study comes amid increasing demand for metals and minerals due to the green energy transition.
While much of the contamination is a legacy from the industrial era, there is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in modern mining.

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