Committees

Metal mine pollution in Wales

Inquiry

Once a major industry in Wales, mines extracting metals like zinc, lead and gold are now largely abandoned. But metals from these mines can discharge into local rivers, streams and lakes, damaging local plant and animal biodiversity and possibly impacting human health. 

Abandoned metal mines cause extensive pollution in Wales. Approximately 1,300 sites impact on water quality and ecology in over 700km of watercourses. The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), since 2020, are addressing these impacts through the Metal (Non-Coal) Mines Programme, funded by the Welsh Government. 

As part of the Committee’s inquiry into ‘The environmental and economic legacy of Wales’ industrial past’ the Committee will hold a one-off evidence session on metal mines.

This inquiry is accepting evidence

The committee welcomes responses from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. The deadline to submit evidence is 11:59pm on 19 June 2026.

Read the call for evidence before submitting

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We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.