PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Mercury (Hg) is a constitutive element of the earth that has been mined and used by humans fro thousands of years. However, in more recent decades the risks it poses for health and environment has been fully understood, which has made it subject to International, European and National regulations. Two sites have been selected to demonstrate in the solution of LIFE HERMES, an innovative solution with great potential for decontaminating mercury-contaminated soils. A site called Cerco de Almadenejos (CDA) in Spain has been selected (the largest mercury mine of the world) and also Abbadia San Salvatore mine (ABSS) has been selected in Italy (one of the most important sites at world level for the production of liquid mercury). LIFE HERMES in situ Hg chemical stabilization solution offers several significant advantages over traditional decontamination methods. It is minimally invasive, preserving the site’s integrity and reducing disruption to the surrounding environment, unlike ex situ methods. This approach is also more cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for transportation and disposal of contaminated materials. By stabilizing mercury on-site, the risk of spreading contaminants during excavation or transport is minimized, ensuring a safer remediation process. Additionally, it provides long-term stability by converting Hg into a less mobile form, reducing the risk of leaching and environmental impact. The flexibility LIFE HERMES solution allows it to be tailored to specific site conditions and contamination levels, offering a customized approach. LIFE HERMES will demonstrate this solution in the CDA (27 000 m2) and in the ABSS (1 000 m2) and set up a new procedure for the remediation of Hg contaminated soils. In addition the project will revegetate the area and seek a new use for the space, involving local population while restoring the historical value of both sites. The results will be replicated in two additional sites (Spain and Slovenia).