Environmental Impacts of Lead Ore Mining and Smelting

Abstract

Present day lead pollution is an environmental hazard of global proportions. A correct determination of natural lead levels is very important in order to evaluate anthropogenic lead contributions. In this paper, the impact of mining and smelting of lead metal ores on environmental quality is described. Globally mines produce large amounts of waste because the ore is only a small fraction of the total volume of the mined material. In the metal industry, production of lead, causes the greatest degradation of the environment. Lead smelters release large quantities of Cd and Pb into the environment as well as smelting and refining produce gaseous (CO2, SO2, NOx, etc.) and particulate matter emissions, sewage waters, and solid wastes; however, these pollutants take a lead to effects human health. A quantitative evaluation of the environmental health effects of lead mining and smelting is difficult because of the complexity of factors involved and lack of consistent methodology. Nevertheless, the investigation indicates that negative health effects could arise from lead mining and smelting.