MANAGING MERCURY IN LIBYAN OIL AND GAS FIELDS: CHALLENGES, RISKS, AND RECOVERY OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Mercury pollution from produced water from three main oilfields in Libya's Sirte Basin Zaltan, Al-Lahib, and Al-Jabal is estimated to be 194.5 tons per year. With a predicted 3% annual rise in generated water volumes, mercury discharge might reach 254 tons by 2034, highlighting the critical need for proactive field-level actions. Libya can extract and recover mercury from hydrocarbon streams by using modular mercury removal devices and modern treatment technology. Using new transmutation techniques, this mercury may be transformed into gold, changing a dangerous byproduct into a very valuable commodity. This strategy not only promotes environmental compliance and lowers operating liabilities, but it also creates a new revenue stream through the sale of converted gold.

Libya might reinvent itself as a regulated producer and exporter of mercury and gold generated from recovered mercury by adopting this invention and taking use of its advantageous location near European and Mediterranean markets. This change has the potential to transform an environmental issue into a strategic industrial opportunity by promoting economic diversification, drawing in foreign investment, and enhancing the nation's position in the world commodities market