Contamination left by centuries of metal mining remains across former mining regions in the UK, a new study has found.
Areas of Wales and the southwest and northwest of England were found to be particularly affected.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham examined more than 250 documents dating from 1874 to 2025 as part of a review commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The study discovered that mining, ore processing and smelting have left elevated concentrations of metals in soils, rivers and groundwater. Contamination could potentially extend many kilometres beyond former industrial sites.
Dr Andrea Sartorius, Lead Author, said: “Historical metal mining has left a long-lasting environmental legacy across many parts of England and Wales.
“By bringing together more than 150 years of published and unpublished evidence, this review provides a clearer understanding of where the evidence is strongest, where important knowledge gaps remain, and how historical contamination may continue to affect both environmental and public health.”
Unlike many pollutants, toxic metals do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment for centuries. The researchers say there is consistent evidence that these contaminants are entering wildlife, livestock and human populations.
Lead was highlighted as a particular concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) stating that there is no safe level of lead exposure.
However there are significant gaps in the available evidence, particularly regarding the health impacts on livestock in England and Wales.
No peer-reviewed studies investigating health incidents in livestock that link to historic metal mining or smelting across England and Wales have been published in the past 70 years, according to the review.
Researchers also say that further investigation is needed to better understand the long-term risks and help inform assessments and management of contaminated land around former mining sites.
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