UNESCO has announced a new initiative to create a high-fidelity digital twin of the Heritage of Mercury in Almadén and Idrija. This dual-site, spanning Spain and Slovenia, represents the largest mercury mines in the world and chronicles the evolution of global chemistry and mining technology over five centuries. The designation comes as structural concerns rise due to the unique geology of the underground shafts.
The project will utilize terrestrial laser scanning and AI-driven structural analysis to document the mines' immense subterranean chambers and timber-framed supports. By creating a virtual heritage repository, UNESCO aims to ensure that the complex engineering history of the mercury trade—which was vital to silver refining in the Americas—remains accessible even if physical access becomes restricted.