Heavy metal emissions to air from extractive industries (Indicator)

The EU's increased demand for materials and push for self-sufficiency create a pollution trade-off. Although these actions may boost pollution from European extractive industries, shifting to EU-sourced materials could lower global pollution levels overall.

Decreasing pollution from resource extraction demands effective waste management, reclamation and robust monitoring systems alongside enhanced material efficiency. Reducing material consumption, and improving resource efficiency and recycling, are crucial in minimising pollution. Prioritising the uptake of circular business models (as set out in the circular economy agenda) would support this. Indeed, the EU promotes resource efficiency and circular material use, reducing the need to extract virgin materials and, in turn, reducing pollution.

Zinc, nickel, cadmium and chromium are the main air pollutants emitted by the extractive sector. In the 1990s, mercury and lead were among the main releases. Zinc, nickel and cadmium emissions result from venting and flaring in oil and gas extraction. Emissions also come from mining, quarrying, and oil and natural gas exploration.

Emissions decreased significantly between 1990 and 2004, followed by significant increases between 2006 and 2008 for some heavy metals. More recently, between 2020 and 2022, all heavy metal emissions have decreased with some increases again slightly in 2020 and 2022.

Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.