LIFE MERSADE Project

The LIFE MERSADE project aimed primarily at designing, constructing and validating safe technical solutions for the storage of metallic mercury, within the framework of the European Mercury Strategy and in anticipation of the future ban on mercury exports from the European Union.

The project addressed the issue of surplus mercury generated by European industry through the development of a prototype facility for the safe storage of metallic mercury, drawing on the extensive historical experience of the Almadén mining district in the handling and management of this metal. Within this framework, MERSADE defined and validated technical procedures for the packaging, transport, monitoring and environmental surveillance of metallic mercury, ensuring high levels of protection for human health and the environment.

In addition, the project investigated and validated techniques for the stabilization and solidification of mercury, transforming it into a more stable chemical form (mercury sulfide, HgS) and incorporating it into suitable solid matrices for permanent storage, with the aim of minimizing the risks associated with long‑term storage.

The project was coordinated by Minas de Almadén y Arrayanes, S.A. (MAYASA) and involved the participation of the National Centre for Metallurgical Research (CENIM‑CSIC) and the University of Castilla‑La Mancha (UCLM). The total budget amounted to approximately 4.3 million euros, with a contribution of around 2.1 million euros from the LIFE Programme.

Among the project’s main results were the development of two prototype storage systems—one temporary for metallic mercury and another permanent following its stabilization—the definition of safety criteria applicable to mercury storage facilities within the European Union, and the generation of technical and operational methodologies that can be replicated in other contexts and locations.