A Hidden Source of Metal-Mining Emissions Could Be 10x Larger Than Estimated

A University of St Andrews study of 82 mines in southeastern Spain found hidden CO2 emissions from neutralizing acid mine drainage.

Those emissions, including reactions in rivers and estuaries, already rival the region’s conventional copper-mining footprint.

The researchers say the full long-term impact could be more than 10 times higher than current estimates.

The findings suggest mine carbon footprints and net-zero plans should include acid mine drainage emissions.