Rare-Earth Elements (REE) and Mercury in the Historically Important Miguel Burnier Manganese-Ore District, Quadrilátero Ferrífero of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Key Points

• Environmental impacts include elevated mercury levels associated with mining activities.
• High concentrations of rare-earth elements were found in the manganese-ore district of Brazil.
• Analysis of historical mining practices highlights potential environmental hazards from mining operations.
• Supports the need for rigorous environmental assessments in historically significant mining regions.