Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks

Rafael Rodríguez (), Hector Garcia-Gonzalez, Zenaida Hernández and Lluís Sanmiquel
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Rafael Rodríguez: Department of Mining Exploitation and Prospecting, School of Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering, University of Oviedo, Independencia 13, 33004 Oviedo, Spain
Hector Garcia-Gonzalez: Instituto Nacional de Silicosis, C/La Minería 1, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
Zenaida Hernández: Recuperación y Renovación SL, C/Santa Susana 29, 33007 Oviedo, Spain
Lluís Sanmiquel: Department of Mining, Industrial and ICT Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Av. Bases de Manresa, 61-73, 08242 Manresa, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates the environmental and occupational health risks associated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination in a specific industrial site: a mercury mine site that contains a metallurgical plant within its premises. Utilising a comprehensive sampling and analysis approach, As and Hg concentrations in the soil and air across various zones within the site were assessed. The results revealed elevated levels of both contaminants, particularly in areas proximal to industrial processes such as metal smelting and waste disposal. Risk assessment using the Cancer Risk ( CR ) and Hazard Index ( HI ) indices demonstrated significant health hazards that exceed regulatory thresholds, indicating potential carcinogenic effects from As exposure and risks of non-cancerous occupational diseases. Three distinct risk areas were identified based on the CR and HI indices, guiding the formulation of tailored risk management strategies. While some zones may permit limited industrial activities under specific conditions, others require stringent safety measures and specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) due to exceptionally high contaminant concentrations. Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for robust safety protocols and regulatory compliance to mitigate the health risks associated with As and Hg exposure in industrial settings, ensuring the protection of worker health, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices.

Keywords: sustainability; arsenic contamination; mercury exposure; occupational safety; environmental pollution; risk assessment; sustainable mining (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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